asked the Minister for Local Government if any State agency is responsible for ensuring the destruction of motor cars that are written off by insurance companies after a serious accident as some of those cars are taken to a repair shop and put on the road again and are a danger to the public; and, if not, if he will take steps to provide such a service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damaged Cars.
43.
There is no power to provide for the specific type of control in relation to damaged cars such as the Deputy describes. The Road Traffic Acts, 1961-1968, contain various provisions designed to ensure that vehicles used on public roads are roadworthy. For example, it is an offence to drive a dangerously defective vehicle, and the owner may also be guilty of an offence. The Garda Síochána are empowered to examine, inspect and test any mechanically-propelled vehicle suspected of having defects such that, when in use, the vehicle is a danger to the public. There is also a provision for the spot-checking of vehicles and a scheme under this provision is being considered at present.
The question requests the Minister to provide a service which would take charge of all motor vehicles which were written off by insurance companies. Does the Minister intend to provide such a service?
No, I do not think it is required. I think the position is satisfactory, that there is sufficient control there.
Is the Minister satisfied that those motor cars that are written off by insurance companies do not find their way back on to the roads or does he think that they do find their way back on to the roads?
I think they do not.