Road Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2009

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Questions (67)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

84 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has given directions to the medical bureau of road safety on the recalibration or replacement of breathalyzer and evidential breath-testing machines in the context of the Road Traffic Bill 2009; the number of machines which will be completely replaced; the number of same which will be recalibrated; the estimated cost of the recalibration or replacement of all the machines; if his attention as been drawn to the concerns raised by road safety campaigners in relation to aspects of his proposal for mandatory testing of all drivers involved in road collisions; his views on the continuing high casualties in road collisions involving motorcyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46095/09]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

I have already instructed the MBRS to commence the procurement process for the new EBT instruments. It is intended to increase their number from the current 64 to 86 instruments.

The cost of the machines will not be fully known until the procurement process is finished. In keeping with current practice I will not speculate on the cost until the procurement process is finished.

I believe that the provision included in the recently published Road Traffic Bill, 2009 in relation to the mandatory testing of drivers involved in collisions where injury occurs is an important new road safety measure, particularly focused on intoxicated driving.

I am aware of the high number of motorcyclists involved in road collisions and it is vital to maintain the momentum in the Road Safety Strategy to further reduce fatalities and injuries for all road users.