Billy Timmins
Ceist:77 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to introduce a road accident investigation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/02]
Written Answers. - Road Safety.
The primary immediate investigative role in relation to road accidents is vested in the Garda Síochána. Priority in the pursuit of such an investigation must be given to the determination of the causes of road accidents and in particular to the determination of whether a breach of the road traffic laws contributed to the occurrence.
The Garda Síochána is the only body empowered to make such a determination and to launch criminal proceedings against any person who the Garda consider should be accused of the commission of an offence. In the final instance it is a matter for the courts to decide on the guilt or innocence of an accused person. The Garda reports relating to an accident provide information to assist the courts in making decisions in such matters. Given the pivotal role played by the Garda in accident investigation, they are tasked with the preparation of detailed reports on each accident they attend.
These reports are passed on to the National Roads Authority and subsequently to each local authority for the purpose of the establishment of accident trends and causes generally and to facilitate carrying out remedial works relating to road infrastructure where such action is deemed to be necessary. The overall role of monitoring road safety activity at national level is carried out by the high level group on road safety on which all of the bodies involved in road safety are represented. I have no immediate proposals to establish alternative arrangements for investigating road accidents. However, I will give further consideration to the Deputy's suggestion.