Vol. 439 No. 3
68 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, in relation to the Video Recordings Act, 1989, the number of prosecutions brought to date for offences in relation to the possession or supply of video nasties; and the number of convictions.
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 25 on 3 February 1994 there has been a number of prosecutions by the Garda for offences in relation to possession and/or supply of prohibited video works. However, the statistics requested by the Deputy are not yet finalised. I will arrange for them to be supplied to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
69 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the action, if any, she intends to take in relation to the recommendation of the Fair Trade Commission to allow greater mobility between the two branches of the legal profession.
The Solicitors (Amendment) Bill, 1994, contains certain proposals to facilitate easier interchange between the branches of the legal profession. Any further proposals which I may have will be announced in the normal way in due course.
70 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice if she has received a copy of the Law Society's case against capping compensation levels; if so, if she has noted a report quoted on page 16 that one of the principal reasons fatalities and personal injuries were higher here than in Britain was the stricter enforcement of road traffic regulations in Britain; if so, the proposals, if any, she has to bring our enforcement up to United Kingdom standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I confirm that I have received a copy of the Law Society's report entitled "The Case Against Capping Compensation Levels in Personal Injury Actions". I note that the report claims that one of the principal reasons for the higher level of fatalities and serious personal injuries here as compared to the United Kingdom is the stricter enforcement of road traffic regulations in the UK, particularly with regard to speeding and drink-related offences.
71 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to implement all the recommendations contained in the MacLiam report of inquiry into the costs and methods of providing motor insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In so far as a number of the recommendations of the MacLiam report, submitted to the then Minister for Industry and Commerce, concern my Department, the position is that they have been largely implemented. Any further proposals which I may have will be announced in the normal way in due course.
72 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice if there is any evidence to support the view that there is a higher level of uninsured driving in this country than in other European countries; and, if so, the proposals, if any, she has to effect an amelioration of the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the 1991 survey of compliance with motor insurance law carried out by the gardaí indicated that the national level of uninsured driving is about 6 per cent. As such, I understand that the Irish rate is around the middle of the range of motor insurance evasion rates quoted for other European Union member states.
I can assure the Deputy that traffic law enforcement remains a priority for the gardaí. In this regard, I note from the Garda Commissioner's Annual Report for 1992 (the last year for which figures are available) that there were over 70,000 prosecutions for various breaches of the motor insurance laws during that year.
73 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment whether any figures are available of the number of companies who are in default in making their annual returns; if so, the numbers thereof; the steps, if any, being taken to ensure compliance with the law in this regard; if he has satisfied himself that the steps being taken are adequate and effective to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In the time available, the Companies Office is not in a position to provide the statistics sought. I have asked that the information, when compiled, be conveyed as soon as possible to the Deputy.
Information on enforcement action is available in the series of Companies Reports in the Dáil Library. The latest relates to the period to June 1993.
74 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment when he will introduce legislation to cap personal injury awards; if, since making this announcement in May 1993, he has received and studied the response by the Law Society; if so, his views on the contents of the submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It would be premature for me to comment at this stage as to when legislation on the quantum of personal injury compensation might be introduced.
In considering proposals for such legislation my Department is continuing to take account of submissions received and to consult expert advice. In the final analysis any decision on the preparation of legislation will be a matter for Government.
