Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their contributions of which I have taken note. While some of what has been suggested is not accommodated in the Bill I do not necessarily disagree with the points made. I believe we should try to ensure that much of what is deemed appropriate is included in legislation. However, the Minister and I have only been at the Department of Transport for a short number of weeks following the Government reshuffle. Much of the work on this Bill was in progress and a deadline of midnight on 19 January had been set for the changeover from imperial to metric speed limits. In that regard, we were locked into a time schedule in terms of ensuring the legislation was in place to accommodate the date of change.

Senator Wilson asked why the changeover is being introduced in January and suggested people may not take notice at this time of year to the media coverage which this issue will receive. While I appreciate it is the festive season this issue is important and people will take note of it. The campaign will continue after the festive season up to and beyond the date of introduction. Also, people are most likely to change their cars in January. A great deal of work has been undertaken by my predecessor with regard to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry. We are a small peripheral island nation and due credit must be given to the SIMI for its work in successfully ensuring that all new cars imported to Ireland will have in place the metric speed system.

I am unable, in the time available to me, to deal with all the issues raised. Senator Henry asked about the introduction of a driving instructor standards authority. The Government's first road safety strategy provided financial assistance for the voluntary driver instructor register to attain an appropriate quality certificate thereby enhancing confidence in the register. The Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill, providing for the establishment of the authority, was published in July 2004 and Second Stage was taken in the Dáil on 14 October. Good progress has been made in this area.

I agree with comments expressed on vehicle lights being on during daytime hours, a practice which may be beneficial to road safety. The European Commission has engaged consultants to carry out a study on the effectiveness of daytime running lights. While the practice of daytime running lights can reduce vehicle-to-vehicle accidents in northern Europe, it can also increase the risk for less visible road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. The best approach is to await the conclusion of the EU-sponsored research.

Several Senators raised the issue of insurance and Senator Morrissey raised it together with the matter of foreign-owned vehicles. Insurance is mandatory for all road-using vehicles, even foreign-owned ones. If a vehicle is not insured, it is liable to the full rigours of the law. Certain measures apply and others will be introduced on the speed of goods vehicles. In accordance with the 1993 road traffic regulations, which give effect to an EU directive relating to speed limits, a goods vehicle with a design gross vehicle weight of over 1200 kg. is required to be fitted with a speed limiter, so it cannot exceed 90 km/h or 55 mph. In accordance with EU Directive 2002/85/EC, this requirement will be extended to further categories of vehicles.

Driving while under the influence of a substance was also raised. I prefer the term "driving under influence resulting from substance misuse", a term familiar to Senator Henry in her professional capacity, rather than "driving while intoxicated". The medical bureau of road safety participated in an analysis of blood and urine specimens, provided for the Garda by people suspected of driving while intoxicated. In 2002, 388 specimens were tested, of which 30% tested positive for drugs. In 2001, a two year research programme was conducted in which 2,000 specimens were selected for analysis. Half of those was under the limit for alcohol while the other half was over the limit. Of those samples with zero levels of alcohol, 68% tested positive for one or more drugs.

Senators asked why there is no mutual recognition of penalty points with Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, this has not been established and it is an issue that should be pursued. Senator Morrissey claimed that penalty points only apply at certain points of the day. This is not correct as penalty points are applicable 24 hours a day. Several Senators questioned the Bill's proposals on insurance renewal. We are ensuring that people will be re-insured but it has become an issue for the underwriters. It arises from market changes and demands and other issues, such as governance and transparency. Unlimited liabilities did exist but now they have to be stated in a category. We are making an enabling provision but not changing anything. The status quo and how we go about our business will remain. Senator Paddy Burke was particularly concerned about this issue. I invite him to discuss the matter with my officials who will respond to his queries. There is nothing untoward about our proposals in this area. It would be remiss of us to create a situation where people may not be able to obtain insurance renewal. These proposals will ensure that will not arise.

The issue of the number of injuries and deaths on the roads was raised by all speakers. From my research during my short time in the Department, I have found that, in round figures, the number of cars registered in 1990 was shy of 800,000, while in 2004 the figure was 1.5 million. With the increase in the number of cars on the road and the statistical models available to us, if the Government had not introduced a road safety strategy, deaths on the roads would run to 500 per year. In the early stages of the penalty points system, there was a knee-jerk reaction with a reduction in road accidents and deaths. Having weighed up all the issues, and looking at the current figure for road accidents, I estimate the final figure for 2004 will be in the high 300s. This is 35% lower than the figure we could have had if the road strategy was not introduced. Credit is due to my predecessors in the Department who, for the public good, had the courage to introduce tough measures to reduce road casualties and fatalities. The programme for Government contained a commitment to establish a dedicated Garda traffic corps, which is something we will see the benefit of as we progress. I am especially pleased by the recent announcement to proceed with the establishment of a traffic corps over the next three years. It will be headed by an officer of assistant commissioner rank.

I hope I have covered the issues raised. The Bill makes provisions on three matters, including speed limits which are to be converted to the metric system to bring us into line with our European counterparts other than the United Kingdom. One might not want continue to adopt some of the same policies as the United Kingdom on European issues. Ireland has been to the forefront, especially in our approach to monetary union which has led to us being seen as a main European player. It is right that we should convert from the imperial to metric system. Whatever the UK decides to do, so be it. Members will have their own minds made up on that. We should be positive on the European position.

The other matters addressed in the legislation are outsourcing and insurance liability. I look forward to working with Members on Committee Stage when I will have the opportunity to respond to each matter as we go through the various sections of the Bill. I invite any Member who takes issue with any aspect of the legislation to contact my office to facilitate a smooth Committee Stage debate. I would like to think we could respond positively to anything which might cause a hiccough to ease the passage of the legislation and accommodate Members. I record my appreciation of Members' contributions. I have taken notes on them and may be able to respond more positively to what they have said on later Stages. I thank my officials, Mr. John Weafer, Mr. Des Coppins, Ms Ann Cody and Mr. Declan Hayes.