Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention was drawn to the National Safety Council Newsletter of August 2003 which indicated that research into child vehicle occupant fatalities in the period from 1996 to 2000 showed that 77 per cent of child fatalities were not to have been wearing a child restraint or seatbelt; if statistics are currently available to show whether this trend has improved in the period from 2000 to date in 2006; and could he make a statement on the measures being taken to deal with such statistics. [23841/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the National Safety Council Newsletter of August 2003 referred to by the Deputy which indicated that research into child vehicle occupant fatalities in the period from 1996 to 2000 and showed that 77 per cent of child fatalities were not wearing a child restraint or seatbelt.

The latest report on the wearing of seat belts, the National Roads Authority 2005 Survey of Seat Belt Wearing Rates, was published earlier this year and is available from the NRA. The survey indicates that overall front wearing rates in 2005 improved to 86% (an increase from 84% in 2003, 72% in 2002, and 57% in 1999.) Overall rear seat-belt wearing rates in 2005 was 46%. This is the same as the level estimated in 2003.

A survey was conducted into the seat-belt wearing practice of primary and secondary school-goers and front seat belt wearing rates averaged 70% for children attending primary school (68% in 2003), and 68% for those attending secondary school (62% in 2003).

Rear seat belt wearing rates also improved showing an average of 60% for children attending primary schools (increase from 48% in 2003), and 55% for those attending secondary schools (increase from 44% in 2003).

The driver of a vehicle in which safety belt use is compulsory is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 17 years are restrained by a safety belt or appropriate child restraint. Failure to comply with this requirement is a penalty point offence. The ultimate aim is to have full compliance with seat belt wearing.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will have a significant input into advancing the road safety agenda in the future. The functions assigned to the Road Safety Authority include a mandate in relation to the collation of data and statistics as well as policy research and development.