asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 363 on support for the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 10th May, 1963; and what action the Government have taken or contemplate taking on it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Europe Recommendations.
23.
A final decision on Recommendation 363 has not yet been taken by the Committee of Ministers to whom it was addressed by the Consultative Assembly.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, however, Ireland has been a member of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law for many years and our annual subscription to the Institute was recently increased from 1,000 to 2,000 Swiss francs as a result of approval by the Government of an amendment to Article 16 of the Statute of the Institute.
24.
asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 331 on road safety, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 21st September, 1962; and what action the Government have taken or contemplate taking on it.
The Government welcome the interest of the Consultative Assembly in the problems of road safety.
A final decision on Recommendation 331 has not yet been taken in the Committee of Ministers. Meanwhile the various proposals made in the Recommendation have been under consideration in Government Departments. Some of these proposals correspond to measures that have already been adopted, such as the introduction of a speed limit in built-up areas and the grant of £10,000 to the Safety First Association for the financing of road safety propaganda.
In addition, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Road Traffic Act, 1961, provides for compulsory driving tests and compulsory vehicle tests. The proposal to appoint a group of experts to study the latter question is welcomed. Under the provisions of sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Act, the Minister for Local Government proposes to make regulations relating to the construction, equipment (including lighting) and use of vehicles. These regulations will come into force on the 1st October, 1963. The proposed regulations incorporate in principle most of the recommendations of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport regarding weight, dimensions and lighting of vehicles. They are also in broad conformity with the proposals of the European Economic Community.
As regards the training of children, road safety is not a formal subject on the curriculum of the schools, but, with the assistance of the Garda Síochána, instruction in road safety is given to the pupils.
If the Consultative Assembly should recommend the prohibition of articulated vehicles on public roads, would such recommendation receive the support of the Government of Ireland? Perhaps the Minister is not in a position to say anything now?
I am not in a position to prophesy that.
25.
asked the Minister for External Affairs what is the attitude of the Government with regard to Recommendation No. 366 on the implementation of a pilot project for the preservation and development of a historic quarter of Venice sponsored and financially assisted by the Council of Europe, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 10th May 1963; and what action the Government have taken or contemplate taking on it.
The financial implications of the Council of Europe sponsorship of the pilot project in question are still to be examined by the Committee of Ministers and until this has been done it is not possible to say what the Government's reaction will be.
Will the Minister bear in mind that it would look a little ironic for us to help to rebuild portion of Venice when city house are falling all around us?
Everything will be borne in mind.
Will the Minister bear in mind what is happening in Fitzwilliam Square?
Grow up.