Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I do not accept what the Minister of State has said. He has discussed the relevant EU directive with regard to the fitting of blind-spot mirrors to new trucks, but what about older trucks, and why will the Minister not make it compulsory for owners to fit such trucks with these important mirrors?

We accept there is much public concern about trucks having blind spots. The National Safety Council has estimated that at least eight people die per year on our roads as a result of trucks having these blind spots. The Minister of State will be aware that the Dublin city coroner, Dr. Brian Farrell, after hearing the case of an 80 year old man killed by a truck, recently stated that he strongly recommended the provision of these safety items in the interest of public safety. He even wrote to the insurance companies and the Department of Transport to make his views known.

We know the EU directive will require new trucks to be fitted with these mirrors from next January. What about existing trucks? Under current legislation and EU directives, there is nothing to prevent the Minister from making the fitting of such mirrors compulsory on all trucks in the country. I have checked this and it appears a fairly straightforward process. Relevant legislation is section 11 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. The Minister has the power to make regulations with regard to vehicle equipment. It appears that the action could be carried out with the stroke of a pen. Why will the Minister not do it? He has been urged to do so by the industry and the action would definitely save lives. The Minister has not provided an explanation for his inactivity in the area.

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