Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
674. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the surplus funds the Road Safety Authority has to hand; its need for this funding; the plans in respect of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50314/13]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) reported a surplus of €2.117 million in its Annual Report 2012. The RSA has statutory responsibility for driver testing, driver licensing, commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing and the National Car Testing Service (NCT) as well as road safety research and education. Since its establishment in 2001, the Authority has been funded through a combination of Exchequer funds and revenue provided from its activities, such as the NCT. Its dependence on Exchequer funds has reduced over the years and, in 2013, only 12% of overall income comes from the Exchequer. It is my aim to make the RSA self funding at the earliest possible date.
As part of the Service Level Agreement between my Department and the RSA, the Authority's capital programme requirements for 2013 was agreed at €22.5 million. Under the terms of the Agreement, if the Authority exceeds its revenue reserve threshold of €22.5 million, an equivalent adjustment will be made in the amount drawn down from the Exchequer. My Department is currently engaged with the RSA in a review of the Authority and its future direction and funding streams.
