Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in progressing the roll-out of speed cameras nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21914/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is pursuing the commitment given in the Road Safety Strategy to introduce a network of privatised speed cameras.

A Working Group chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and representing my Department, the Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies, has carried out an in depth examination into the issue of the engagement of private sector interests in the operation of speed cameras.

The Group's report, which has been presented to the Government, makes a series of recommendations, which include proposals that require the introduction of changes to the current Road Traffic Acts.

The Government approved the priority drafting of a new Road Traffic Bill in April and the Road Traffic Bill 2006 was published last week. This Bill contains the necessary legislative provisions to provide for the private operation of speed cameras. It is proposed that the Bill will be enacted during the current Dáil session.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has commenced the tendering process to select an operator. This work will run in parallel to my Department's legislative efforts.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures he intends taking to improve safety conditions for cycling in view of the recent death of two cyclists in Dublin city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21892/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of cycle tracks and traffic signal facilities to support cycling at any location is a matter for each road authority. Responsibility in this area rests at local level and I have no power to direct that cycling facilities be provided at any particular location.

A draft of a revised Rules of the Road was published on my Department's website www.transport.ie last week for public consultation. Awareness is being drawn therein to the need for motorists to be aware of the road safety requirements of vulnerable road users including cyclists and also in relation to matters that cyclists must be mindful of. Feedback received from the public consultation process on these aspects will be considered and feed into the shaping of the final version of the Rules of the Road to be published later this year.

I would add that there is a significant provision in Transport 21 for traffic management, including improved facilities for cyclists.