Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2158. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce governing legislation and safety regulations for the testing of driverless cars here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32574/18]
View answerThe rapid progression of technology in the area of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) through both traditional vehicle manufacturers and technology giants means that large scale production of such vehicles is increasingly likely to become a reality, with elements of the technology already appearing in some models. This has implications for Government in areas such as transport, communications, data protection and many others.
However, there are a number of complex aspects, including the respective roles of national, EU and global standards, the implications in terms of legislation, the updating of existing road traffic legislation, and indeed what form the technology may take.
In the meantime, Government Departments and agencies, led by my own Department and the Road Safety Authority, along with industry bodies are reviewing the feasibility for Ireland to support the testing of automated vehicles and encourage companies to use Ireland in the development and research of vehicle technologies. Legislative aspects are also to be examined as part of this process. This will inform plans for any changes and what form such changes may take.
