Dáil debates

Tuesday, 4 April 2006

Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Report Stage.

 

6:00 pm

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I understand the Deputies' points. From my point of view, I have no wish to avoid any responsibility for the matter of road safety. I certainly would not be able to avoid it even if I wanted to. I am always happy to deal with the issue before the House.

The CEO is accountable to Dáil Éireann for the operation of the RSA. Subsections 17(15) and 17(17) of the Bill provide that the CEO will be accountable to the committees of the Oireachtas regarding the performance of the authority's functions. However, under section 9, I have the power to give general policy direction to the road safety authority and will retain overall responsibility for road safety. I am not ceding that responsibility. The Bill provides that the road safety authority may make recommendations in respect of improving driving standards and requires it to submit road safety programmes to me. In these circumstances, I consider the amendments unnecessary because they would not change anything.

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