Vol. 507 No. 4
178 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if an investigation will be carried out into the safety standards of airbags installed in certain motor vehicles; and if he will report on the issue. [17203/99]
Ireland is participating in action at EU level to improve awareness of certain risks associated with airbags in cars and in particular to reduce risks to children. In developing this action, there has been consensus that in terms of overall road safety airbags make a beneficial contribution but that greater awareness is needed of risks arising in unsuitable situations.
From 1 January 1998 whole vehicle type approval was made compulsory for new cars; this includes a requirement that a mandatory warning must be fitted to all passenger seating positions where an airbag is present that no rearward-facing child restraint should be fitted in that seat.
Research is continuing internationally in relation to airbags in cars and improvements arising from this process will continue to be implemented in Ireland through the EU type approval system.
