Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 April 2015
882. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the continuing tragic loss of lives on roads; the measures he is currently putting in place to curb these numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14683/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of deaths on Irish roads is a major concern, particularly in the context of the increase in fatalities seen in 2013 and 2014, marking the first increase in fatalities since 2005.
The Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020 contains 144 Actions to be implemented by the various agencies involved with the objective of making Ireland among the safest countries for road safety.
My officials and I meet regularly with all of the bodies and agencies that have responsibility for road safety, to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and taken to improve safety on our roads. The Ministerial Committee on Road Safety meets twice per year, most recently on 8 December 2014, to review implementation of the Strategy.
Aside from the Strategy, the Road Traffic Act 2014, introduced measures which will further contribute to road safety including Graduated Driver Licensing measures, adjustments to the penalty points system, and increasing demerits for the most dangerous offences.
Work is already underway on the drafting of the Road Traffic Bill 2015 which will further strengthen legislation on intoxicated driving including providing for roadside testing for drugs with devices to detect a range of commonly used drugs at the roadside.
The Bill will also create for the first time a register of written-off vehicles, provide for a number of adjustments to the penalty point system, and provide a legislative underpinning for new arrangements with the UK on mutual recognition of driving disqualifications.
I am satisfied that the actions set out in the Road Safety Strategy will be sufficient to allow Ireland to continue to make progress towards the objectives of reducing road deaths set out in the Strategy.
