Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2016
386. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he or the Road Safety Authority have met the key importers and manufacturers of vehicles in relation to improving safety systems in cars and other vehicles and in particular the development of high technical solutions to monitor and regulate the speed and safe driving of vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3843/16]
View answerImprovements in vehicle design and the incorporation of new technologies afford greater safety for motorists and other road users and is a fundamental element of the more holistic 'safe systems approach' to road safety as outlined in the Government's 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy.
Actions in the Strategy relating to the ongoing research of emerging 'in-road' and 'in-vehicle' road safety technologies by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the implementation of measures to ensure the timely implementation of the eCall service in line with EU regulations, is testament to the Government's commitment to implementing improved vehicle engineering safety standards.
In terms of vehicle engineering expertise and the provision of advice in relation to such, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 – S.I. No. 477 of 2006, the RSA has responsibility for the oversight and development of standards for motor vehicles and the making of recommendations in relation to the regulation of such.
In view of the RSA's technical expertise in this area and their corresponding statutory function in this regard, I have referred the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within ten days, please contact my private office.
