Vol. 536 No. 4
173 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a recent report (details supplied) that motor cyclists account for 15 per cent of driver deaths and that inexperience is a strong factor; if he will provide greater financial support for the Irish Rider Training Association to enable the association provide additional instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14374/01]
Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority in its annual Road Accident Facts reports. The most recent report is in respect of 1999 and that report, along with reports relating to previous years, are available in the Oireachtas library.
A total of 234 drivers were killed in road accidents in 1999, including 38 motorcycle drivers. In that year, motorcyclists represented 16% of all driver fatalities.
My Department has provided financial support of £30,000 for an initiative by the Irish Motorcycle Action Group, MAG Ireland, to establish a network of motorcycle instructors, under the auspices of the Irish Rider Training Association, IRTA, for the purpose of providing initial practical training for motorcyclists before they go on the public road. I understand that 20 persons have qualified as instructors to date and that a further 12 candidates are either undergoing training or about to commence training. The IRTA's programme of training is being kept under review with a view to ensuring that a nationwide network of motorcycle instructors is established.
