Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I recognise the role played out by the Irish Road Haulage Association, IBEC and SIMI. I met representatives of the Irish Road Haulage Association today, specifically the director of the association, and it is very happy with the progress that has been made.

Before dealing with the Deputy's supplementary question, I point out that on 12 April 2006 the European Commission published a consultation paper on the retrofitting of blind-spot mirrors to existing HGVs. The Commission is seeking views, which must be submitted by 19 May 2006, with a view to possibly bringing forward proposals for a directive on the matter. We will respond but I want to consult the SIMI to ensure assumptions in the consultation paper reflect the Irish scene. I can accept the general proposals. The Commission proposed retrofitting the mirrors to vehicles registered in 1998, whereas we will propose backdating it to 1992 because the average life of a HGV is approximately 16 years.

The Deputy suggested taking unilateral action but I wish to work within the European framework and it is not possible to make the retrofitting of mirrors compulsory by the stroke of a pen. I assure the House that if it takes much longer, I and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, will consider taking action but I prefer to work within the EU framework. Even if we introduced regulations, this is a technical standard which cannot be cleared unilaterally. It must be cleared through the European Commission. I am keen to pursue the issue as vigorously as possible and to convince colleagues in Europe that retrofitting should be backdated to 1992.

I acknowledge that six to eight fatalities occur each year involving vehicles without retrofit mirrors. Let the House today call for the co-operation of all those who do not have blind-spot mirrors. They cost merely €140, which would not fill a small fuel tank. I give credit to those who have made the effort to install them and call on those who have not immediately to do so.

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