Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2013
15. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the resources to be allocated to the Road Safety Authority for the coming year; his views on whether these resources are satisfactory; if he is concerned at the increasing number of deaths on the roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47163/13]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) is funded through a combination of Exchequer and non-Exchequer funding. The detail of the Estimates for my Department in 2014 are currently being finalised. In consultation with the RSA, which has significant income and reserves of its own available, I will ensure that the Authority has adequate resources to fulfil its functions.
At the end of October the number of fatalities on Irish roads was higher than for the equivalent period in 2012. I am concerned at the increase in road fatalities, particularly as the number of road deaths in recent years decreased year on year to the point that 2012 was the safest year on Irish roads since records began in 1959. Both the Gardaí and the RSA meet regularly to discuss the causes of collisions and the steps necessary to reduce them.
All stakeholders involved must continue with the effort and commitment that resulted in year on year reductions over the past seven years. Earlier this year, I launched the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 which identifies a total of 144 Actions to be implemented by key stakeholders within the timeframes set. Implementation of these Actions will lead to a further significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
In addition to the new Strategy, I recently introduced the Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill in the Dáil. The Bill provides for adjustment of penalty points for certain offences, introduces a new concept of novice driver, assists the Gardaí in determining the presence of intoxicants in drivers through an impairment testing system and provides for the testing for intoxicants of drivers left incapacitated by a road collision. The provisions of the Bill will also assist in making our roads safer.
