Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that the statistical and evaluation data available to his Department from road collisions, the Courts Service, and An Garda Síochána is adequate to comprehensively evaluate road safety measures and strategies; and his proposals to improve information in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16225/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Statistics relating to road accidents are based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, and are currently published by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in their annual Road Accident Facts reports. The most recent report, now entitled "Road Collision Facts", relates to 2004 and is available in the Oireachtas Library and on the NRA website. Statistics relating to 2005 are not yet fully analysed or authenticated.

The 2004 report refers in particular to the various contributory factors to collisions where such data is available. In that context the Report in respect of 2004 notes that driver error accounted for 88% of all contributory factors in respect of all collisions where such were identified. Pedestrian error was the next most listed factor at 8% with road factors accounting for 2% of all of those listed. The remaining factors listed related to vehicle and environmental factors.

While the report contains a detailed analysis of the collisions which occurred during that particular year it does not address a ranking order for contributory factors to collisions on a specific or general basis. However, the Report notes that during the hours of the day most strongly associated with drinking and driving, some 26% of fatalities were recorded. The reports provide a significant degree of knowledge that supports and informs the deployment of road safety measures, which are pursued within the planning framework of the multi-annual Road Safety Strategies.

The establishment of the new Road Safety Authority (RSA) will have a significant input into advancing the road safety agenda in the future and it will further seek to enhance the collection and collation of data. The RSA functions include a mandate in relation to road safety information and statistics and to carry out road safety research. This will enable further in depth analyses to be carried out into the causes of road traffic accidents and the evaluation of what future preventative action might be taken to reduce road fatalities.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason for the excessive delay in reintroducing height restrictions for heavy goods vehicles; if he has submitted the draft regulations to the European Commission for consideration and for referral to other Member States in accordance with the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (details supplied). [16244/06]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Transport the actions he intends to pursue to reduce the number of trucks involved in collisions with railway bridges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16273/06]

Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to Iárnród Éireann reports that show there have been 691 bridge strikes by over-sized trucks in the past five years; and the action he proposes to take to reduce the number. [16241/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 98 and 139 together.

I am aware from Iarnród Éireann that the number of bridge strikes by heavy goods vehicles has increased from 82 in 1995 to 203 in 2005. Iarnród Éireann has taken a number of initiatives to reduce the incidence of bridge strikes including a signage programme on all headroom restricted bridges and an information and publicity campaign to highlight the need for care and attention on the part of HGV drivers. Iarnród Éireann has also published a map identifying each bridge height and has distributed the map to hauliers.

It should also be noted that Section 138 of the Railway Safety Act, 2005 provides for increased penalties — up to €50,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years — for bridge strikes. I am also currently considering the re-introduction of a restriction on the height of heavy goods vehicles taking account of the wide-ranging submissions received in my Department arising from the public consultation on the matter last year. I expect to make a decision in this matter shortly.

In the event that it is decided to introduce a statutory height restriction for vehicles, it will be necessary to submit the draft Regulations to the European Commission for consideration and for referral to other Member States in accordance with the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (Directive 98/34).