Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
45. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will meet with the chief executive officer of the Road Safety Authority; his priorities for such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21970/16]
View answerI am formally meeting with the Chair and Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority on Monday 25 July 2016. I have of course met her already at the launch of the RSA's June Bank Holiday Road Safety Campaign at which the recent RSA report on Alcohol as a Factor in Fatal Collisions, 2008 to 2012, where we informally discussed the implications of that report.
My priorities for this coming meeting will centre on road safety issues in general and in particular on the measures that have been introduced by the RSA, and the initiatives that are required, to improve the country's road safety performance.
Sadly, [89] people have lost their lives on our roads so far this year, that is [6] more than on the same date last year. I will be discussing with the RSA their plans to assist in reversing this trend, which is disappointing after last year's record low level, although one we share with many of our European neighbours. A mid-term Review of the Road Safety Strategy is scheduled to take place later this year and I also intend to discuss this Review and how it should be used to maintain progress on the actions outlined in the strategy and to ensure that the Strategy is still fit for purpose.
I am also looking forward to receiving the RSA's 5 year corporate plan which sets out in specific detail how the RSA plan to move forward as an organisation from 2016 - 2020.
