Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

This Bill is an important part of the Government's overall road safety strategy. Over many years we have all become more conscious of the need for modified driver behaviour and better vehicles for all road users. High profile accidents and low profile accidents alike have proven to us the need to improve road safety for all users. We can all recall tragic accidents in our own areas. I am thinking of one in Clara. These must motivate us to put safety first.

One of our most important sectors is the commercial vehicle sector. These vehicles perform an important function in the efficient movement of goods in and out of the country and of people around the country. They are, literally, one of the key drivers of the economy. The Bill is in everyone's interests and not just the commercial sector. It is in all our interests to have commercial vehicles roadworthy and up to standard.

While it is almost 30 years since commercial vehicle roadworthiness was introduced, the PricewaterhouseCoopers report in 2007 clearly identified many deficiencies and inefficiencies in how vehicles are tested. While there are many compliant operators maintaining their vehicles to high standards, the report found the overall standard was low. For road users , it is vital commercial vehicles are tested, and the proposed annual test will minimise breakdowns and will, in turn, ease road traffic congestion which frustrates all of us drivers from time to time.

I welcome the proposal to link test operators, the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Finance and to give the Garda access to the system. This is the type of joined-up thinking we need to see more of across other Departments.

I have heard criticism of the Road Safety Authority from previous contributors to the debate. However, we must acknowledge its track record in public education and information campaigns motivated by its motto "working to save lives". I recently saw the authority's road safety roadshow at a Teen Aware youth gig in Charleville Castle in Tullamore. I was impressed with the innovative way the authority connected with young people as a way of conveying serious road safety messages of being careful and slowing down.

There are other issues to be considered for commercial drivers on which I have had representations from local haulage companies and which I support. At the minimum, pull-in points have been highlighted to me as an immediate need for long distance drivers to deal with driver fatigue. In addition, I have had representations from residents of housing estates where some HGVs are parking in or in close proximity to housing estates while the driver gets a rest, but this is causing difficulties for residents. I have been advised by the local authority that they have no power to move these vehicles. This points to the need for resting places for drivers.

Fuel laundering and the price of fuel have been well debated and I know the Irish Road Haulage Association has been meeting the Department of Finance to examine an essential user fuel rebate. I hope it is successful in its endeavours.

With regard to licensing, I welcome the movement to the plastic card licence. It has been a long time coming. While I acknowledge that the RSA aims to be the centre of excellence in getting the centralised system up and running , I urge that the expertise available in local authorities continues to be utilised.

I am glad to support the Bill and commend the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and his staff on their work in continuing to emphasise road safety, which will benefit us all. I also acknowledge his ongoing consultation with the Joint Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht.

See this speech in context