Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy raised a serious and important issue, of which I am well aware. I have heard much evidence about the context of how cars coming into the country are insured, the powers of the Garda Síochána to impound cars and the issue which the Deputy rightly raises, namely, the quality testing standards to which these cars should be subject. I have initiated consideration of this issue, which I would like to bring to a speedy resolution.

It is clear that due to the quality of the vehicles or the quality of the driving, or a combination of the two, the sad reality is that the number of foreign nationals — who are working in this country and welcome to do so — involved in fatal or near-fatal accidents has grown substantially in recent times. It behoves us from a legal perspective to ensure that the necessary laws are in place so the Garda Síochána and other authorities can ensure that poor vehicles are not on the road and the Garda has the power to act against such vehicles. Insurance issues also need to be considered.

The Deputy is bang on the money with regard to this issue. If all Irish drivers are subject to a high standard vehicle test, it is unconscionable that somebody from outside the country who comes to work here would have different criteria applied to him. That is unacceptable and bad for road safety.

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