Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2018
36. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has been discussing a consolidation of road traffic legislation with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49660/18]
View answer46. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has had discussions with or input to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with regards to the consolidation of the road traffic legislation. [49636/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 46 together.
The Deputies will be aware that road traffic legislation is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross, T.D.
I can inform the Deputies that I wrote to my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross, T.D., on 15 January this year to request a progress update on the Minister's plans for the consolidation of road traffic legislation.
Minister Ross responded to my correspondence on 27 March this year, emphasising that the consolidation of road traffic legislation remains extremely challenging while the need for new legislation to address particular road safety matters continues to exist.
The Deputies will appreciate that the nature of road traffic legislation is such that it is amended and added to on an ongoing basis, with new legislation coming into effect on an almost annual basis. As such, the consolidation of this extensive body of legislation would constitute a significant project and require considerable resources over a substantial time period; it would also require continual review, as new provisions will continue to be brought forward in view of the nature of this subject matter. In view of the foregoing, I understand that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is pursuing consolidation on a thematic basis, as recommended by the Law Reform Commission.
I will continue to support legislation that makes a valuable contribution to road traffic enforcement and road safety.
