Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As the Senator has mentioned, we discussed this in detail yesterday. As I indicated yesterday, section 4 already provides for the transfer of functions to the road safety authority. These functions include those relating to the driving test, registration of driving instructors. etc.

With regard to the various subsections, registration of vehicles lies with the Revenue Commissioners and we intend to leave it with them. Driver testing is covered and the registration of qualified driving instructors has also been covered. The national driver file is held by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government but both the Department of Transport and the road safety authority will have full access to it, to ensure its maintenance. If we were to change the situation it would create practical difficulties. It may take some time and would involve software changes. The Department and the road safety authority has adequate responsibility.

We are working on the rules of the road, which will be published very soon and will be available in Irish. Road signage and markings are matters for the National Roads Authority and the local authorities, which, under section 7, will be two of the State agencies with a direct link to the road safety authority. It is important for the authority to consult with them on the matter. Policy advice to the Minister and certain other bodies is also dealt with.

While most of what Senator Paddy Burke proposes is dealt with in the Bill, there are justifiable reasons for what is omitted. There is a lot of goodwill for what Senator Paddy Burke and Senator Brian Hayes propose but the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will have responsibility for the file and the Revenue Commissioners for the registration of vehicles.