John Perry
Ceist:57 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce a penalty points system and a theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23433/99]
Written Answers. - Road Safety.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:100 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay in producing the road traffic Bill, having particular regard to the continuing death toll on roads; when the Bill will be produced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23302/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 100 together.
The Government strategy for road safety 1998 to 2002 has set out specific targets for improving road safety in Ireland, notably the objective of reducing deaths and serious injuries by at least 20 per cent by 2002 relative to 1997. This target will be achieved by enhancing and intensifying existing road safety measures and by a number of new initiatives which include a penalty points system for driving offences and the introduction of a theory test in connection with first applications for provisional licences.
As indicated in the first progress report on the strategy, a new road traffic Bill is being drafted in my Department to provide a legislative base for a penalty points system in Ireland. The scheme of the Bill will be brought before Government at the earliest possible date with a view to publication by mid-2000. The operation of the points system is also linked to the development of a national computerised driver licence file which is being urgently progressed.
The theory test is being progressed on a PPP basis with a view to its introduction within 2000.