Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Yes. They can act immediately. Members of local authorities can have immediate discussions with the Garda or the NRA, where appropriate and necessary. Senator Dardis mentioned that they can ask for speed limits on primary routes to be changed. It is a matter for them to operate on that basis immediately.

The issues of driving instruction, testing and licensing are of particular importance in the advancement of road safety. A series of initiatives is being pursued to advance standards and outputs in such areas. Senators are aware that a Bill to provide for the establishment of a new driver testing and standards authority has been introduced in the other House. The new authority will provide a new focus on the delivery of initiatives which have already been planned. It will instigate further policy in this area on a co-ordinated basis. The establishment of the authority, which will deliver the driver testing service and take responsibility for other functions relating to the testing and control of drivers, driving instructors and vehicles which would be more appropriate to an executive agency than to a Department, represents an opportunity for other functions relating to road safety to be assigned to the authority. I have had good discussions with the National Safety Council and others in this regard.

Consultants Farrell Grant Sparks have completed a review of the organisational structure of the Driver Testing and Standards Authority. The purpose of the review is to feed into the debate on the functions and scope of the new authority. It is envisaged that the authority will have a range of functions that will give a greater focus to the whole area of road safety. I am aware of speculation in the media about this report but I would like to have the opportunity to consider the report and to consult with Government colleagues if necessary. The other functions that may be assigned to the authority will ensure that it will play an important part in the process of improving road safety in general and in this context, I am considering what additional functions might be assigned to the authority in the long term to enable it to more effectively fulfil its role. As part of this process I wish to advise the House that I propose to bring forward appropriate amendments to the Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill on Committee Stage.