Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that the Road Safety Authority, RSA, has been an essential instrument in significantly saving lives on our roads and reducing the degree of injury on them. I am sure he will also be very concerned at reports of interference with the work of RSA safety officers. There was a concerning article in this week's edition of The Sunday Business Postby Michael Brennan detailing that correspondence had been sent to the president of the National Road Haulage Association, NRHA, in respect of continued interference with the work of safety officers and warning that this should cease and that there should be no interference and no 45-minute phone calls with safety inspectors. The Taoiseach will have to agree that this is something of which he would not approve and I would like to have confirmation and clarification that it is something he is concerned about. He might indicate and commit to the House that we could have a full presentation from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in respect of that kind of interference with the work of the RSA. The CEO wrote the letter to the person concerned. Irrespective of anything that is going on, that is something that needs to be stamped out. It is like people ringing a garda and saying he or she has no right to stop somebody or to give a penalty. It is of a similar nature. Given the role and work of the RSA, it has been a success story. It has saved lives and reduced injury. That type of interference should be stamped out and I would like clarity from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on a key part of Government priorities.

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