Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 outlines 126 actions and focuses on delivery and outcomes with built-in targets and accountability. The measures contained in the strategy are based on international best practice and have the endorsement and commitment of all of the stakeholders involved. One of the actions in the strategy is for the RSA to report to me in the second quarter of each year on the implementation of the 126 actions in the strategy, all of which identify the agency responsible for implementation and the target implementation dates.

I expect to receive the first report during the second quarter of this year and will bring it to the Cabinet sub-committee, which I chair, because it is important that the implementation of the strategy is co-ordinated at the highest level. The RSA has already confirmed to me that all actions in the strategy identified for completion in 2007 have been completed in full and I expect the authority to notify me of any specific actions that have not been implemented within the deadlines.

Work has begun on other actions in the strategy which have a longer timeframe for completion, such as the introduction of the lower blood-alcohol level for drivers. The resources for implementation of the strategy are matters for the individual agencies involved. As regards my area of responsibility, I have arranged to provide additional resources for both the Road Safety Authority and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.

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