Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy asked if we will see the road safety authority early in 2006 and the answer is "Yes". The amendments are with the Parliamentary Counsel. I hope the process is completed as soon as possible and it is my intention to return to the House with all of the amendments in 2006, prior to which I will forward them to all Opposition spokespersons for their perusal but their content has been well flagged.

A project team is working through some of the issues of scale and resources raised by the Deputy which will become clear when I receive the report and introduce the Bill. I also want to set up the board on an interim basis to begin working through some of the issues involved. I also wish to complete the discussions on the backlog in driving tests in the next 18 months.

The Garda traffic corps is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and an integral part of the road safety strategy. I announced yesterday that the Garda Commissioner intended to increase the number in the corps by 50% in 2006, which I welcome. The corps will make a significant contribution to road safety but has no functions directly related to the Road Safety Authority. In their primary function as gardaí, members of the corps come under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

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