Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
264. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport to update on progress to the consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner about issuing a direction under section 8 of the Road Safety Act 2006 to allow for the flow of collision reports. [35278/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority is responsible for providing several essential services, including the provision of driver testing, and the promotion of road safety through education and public awareness campaigns. The RSA is the body with statutory responsibility for preparing our National Road Safety Strategies. As the RSA is a centre of expertise nationally on road safety, and provides advice to the Department as well as to other relevant agencies, it is essential for the RSA to be able to conduct research and analysis, and provide data to relevant bodies such as Local Authorities, and An Garda Síochána.
In order to perform its functions, it is essential that the RSA has a legal basis behind the sharing of data. Collision data is required to enable Local Authorities target funding appropriately, for example providing funding to accident blackspots. The RSA receive collision data from An Garda Síochána.
A review into the basis for sharing of data by the RSA has been underway. The issue will therefore have to be resolved in a way which enables the RSA to gather all the data it needs, and to ensure that it can share necessary information with other relevant bodies.
My Department is engaging with the Data Protection Commissioner, the RSA, and An Garda Síochána on this matter with a view to resolving the issues as soon as possible.
