Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties people experienced in acquiring copies of the booklet with an updated version of the rules of the road; the location at which the public can acquire copies of the relevant booklet; if he will arrange to have these made available to post offices, citizens information bureaus, local authorities, motor taxation offices and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4996/06]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to ensure that the new Rules of the Road booklet is read by drivers including those who have long passed their test; his views on making ownership of the book a condition of the taxing of a car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5800/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 451 together.

My Department is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the Rules of the Road booklet. It is the intention that a draft of the new booklet will shortly be published on the Department's website and that comments and submissions will be invited from the public and interested parties. The new booklet will be finalised following consideration of any submissions received and it is intended that the finalised booklet will be made available on the Department's website and for sale shortly thereafter.

The Government publications sales office arranges for the supply of the booklet to certain outlets and the booklet is also made available to other outlets on request. In that regard, I see merit in the Deputy's suggestions as regards such outlets and will request my officials to pursue those suggestions.

The more widespread availability, as described above, of the new Rules of the Road should lead to greater familiarity with these rules by drivers generally. I am not disposed to seek to attach a condition to taxation of motor vehicles related to possession of a Rules of the Road booklet. I would add that it is a matter for individual road users to act responsibly on the roads, to develop safe driving habits and to familiarise themselves with the rules of the road.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Transport if foreign registered vehicles are required to have national car tests; if so, the number of tests which have been carried out in each year from 1998 to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5014/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with EU Directive 96/96/EC, each member state of the European Union is required to have arrangements in place for the compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles registered by it. In line with the directive's requirements, the testing of passenger cars in this country is confined to Irish-registered cars. Car testing commenced in this country in January 2000 and is carried out by National Car Testing Service Limited, NCTS. Data in relation to the number of vehicles tested by NCTS since January 2000 is available on the company's website at www.ncts.ie.

Motor vehicles brought into Ireland from abroad, other than those brought in temporarily by visitors, must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners by the end of the next working day following their arrival in the State. Arrangements relating to the administration and enforcement of the motor vehicle registration system are matters for the Revenue Commissioners.