Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the need for an independent road accident investigation unit in view of the high number of road fatalities and casualties on roads annually; if he will introduce legislation to enact such a provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27027/04]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The primary immediate investigative role in relation to road accidents is vested in the Garda Síochána. Priority in the pursuit of such an investigation must be given to the determination of the causes of road accidents and in particular to the determination of whether a breach of the road traffic laws contributed to the occurrence.

The Garda Síochána is the only body empowered to make such a determination and to launch criminal proceedings against any person whom the Garda considers should be accused of the commission of an offence. In the final instance it is a matter for the courts to decide on the guilt or innocence of an accused person. The Garda reports relating to an accident provide information to assist the courts in making decisions in such matters.

Given the pivotal role played by the Garda in accident investigation, they are tasked with the preparation of detailed reports in relation to each accident they attend. These reports are passed on to the National Roads Authority and subsequently to each local authority for the purpose of the establishment of accident trends and causes generally and to facilitate the carrying out of remedial works relating to road infrastructure where such action is deemed to be necessary. I have no immediate proposals to establish alternative arrangements for investigating road accidents.