Roadworthiness Testing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Ceisteanna (571)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

571. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the review of the roadworthiness testing of classic and vintage vehicles; the timeframe for his consideration of the Road Safety Authority's review findings; if the recommendations of his Department will be published and debated by Dáil Éireann before any decision is made on the recommendations that will be implemented; the process and the timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10096/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Under the Government's 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) was tasked with conducting a review of the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles to determine the safety case and cost benefits, if any, for inclusion in roadworthiness testing.

My Department received the RSA's review findings and proposals a number of weeks ago. They will be examined by my officials with a view to submitting recommendations to me which I will consider in due course.  While I believe that the issues involved are important, given the other competing priorities which my Department is currently dealing with in the area of road safety and in other areas, it is likely to be later in the year before we can turn our attention to this issue.  

In compiling its report, the RSA engaged in a comprehensive public consultation exercise that attracted in the region of 2,000 submissions, mostly from the people directly involved with the various clubs associated with the vintage and veteran vehicle movement.