Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2009
286 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce compulsory basic training for motorcyclists which should have been implemented by the end of 2008 under the road safety strategy 2007 to 2012; the reason this key road safety programme has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43221/09]
View answerThe issue of Compulsory Basic Training for motorcyclists is primarily a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I understand that the RSA decided to run a pilot programme to prepare for the introduction of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) for Motorcycles, before launching a full scale CBT programme. This pilot programme was completed earlier this year. Other necessary conditions are, I understand, also now in place including the availability of a good supply of approved driving instructors. Draft regulations are now being finalised within the RSA with a view to submitting them shortly to my Department for examination.
287 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the Road Traffic Bill 2009 to ban car clocking which according to a recent investigation has increased by 400% since March 2009; the initiatives he is taking with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Finance to address car clocking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43222/09]
View answerAs this relates to commercial trading it is a matter for the Consumer Protection Acts and not for the Road Traffic Acts. I understand that the Consumer Protection Act 2007 makes it an offence for a trader to engage in a misleading commercial practice, which would include the provision of false information in relation to a "products usage or prior history" to the extent that the information would be likely to cause the average consumer to make a transactional decision that the average consumer would not otherwise make. The National Consumer Agency enforces this legislation and provides advice for prospective buyers in its Guide to Buying a Car.
