asked the Minister for the Environment how many prosecutions have been initiated under the aegis of his Department or by the Garda in relation to the non-wearing of car safety belts; and if he will make a statement on the effective operation of this provision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Safety Belts.
12.
(Dublin South-East): Prosecutions in relation to the non-wearing of safety seat belts are not initiated by my Department, but by the Garda Síochána. The latest information available to me shows that in the year ended 30 November 1981 there were 10,864 such prosecutions for non-wearing of belts.
Measures to encourage drivers and front seat passengers to accept that the wearing of safety seat belts is for their own protection are pursued by the National Road Safety Association.
Is the Minister of State aware that most members of the Government of which he is a member travel in the front seat of official cars without wearing safety belts? Will the Minister accept that this House has concern for the safety of any office-holder since example is required in this matter what action, if any, does the Minister propose to take?
(Dublin South-East): Having made a statement like that, the Deputy should state which Ministers he is referring to. I never sit in the front seat of a car without wearing a safety belt. It is unfair to make such statements unless the Deputy is prepared to substantiate them here. I think that example should be given in this matter and that Ministers and Ministers of State should wear seat belts.
I will point out to the Deputy that he will not be permitted to make allegations or to make any criminal charges against any Minister. I would not like the Deputy to name anyone at the present time: in fact, he would be prohibited from doing so.
I have no intention of naming anyone.
It was suggested that the Deputy might, but I am suggesting to him that he may not.
(Dublin South-East): On a point of order, I said the particular Departments concerned. It is not necessary to name the people.
It would be easy to identify Ministers.
In his reply the Minister referred to the National Road Safety Association. Will he not accept that if the association were properly funded more propaganda and information could be made available to the public encouraging them to wear seat belts?
That is a separate matter.
The association are under-funded.
I am calling Question No. 13.