asked the Minister for Local Government the progress that has been made regarding the harmonisation of national laws on motor vehicles; and whether these laws will eventually provide for driving on the right hand side of the road.
45.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Right-Hand Driving.
44.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will introduce European-style driving in this country soon, in view of a coroner's remarks (details supplied).
46.
asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the possibility of serious accidents occuring, he will introduce right-hand driving throughout Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 44, 45 and 46 together.
Regulations are being prepared to provide that vehicles and components of vehicles which comply with the relevant EEC Directives are not prohibited from use in this country under the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts. The Commission have not proposed the adoption of driving on the right in member States and I do not propose that it be introduced here.
Is the Minister aware that in countries where right-hand driving was adopted the accident rate went down? In view of that, would he not reconsider his answer?
I do not think this follows. I am not aware of what the Deputy says and, while it may be correct, I do not think it has any relevance.
It has been done in the Scandinavian countries. The coroner's remarks which I have given privately to the Minister would suggest that there should be a world system.
This House passed a law which said that the coroners were to give a decision on the cause of death and not comment on the cause of the accident. I regret that those comments were made.
But it is time to update our situation.