Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will introduce legislation requiring the daytime use of car lights, in view of the fact that an EU Directive is imminent. [29689/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The European Commission has indicated that it intends to propose measures for the mandatory use of Daytime Running Lights (DRL) on motor vehicles. In a consultation paper on the matter which it published last month, the Commission outlined the approach it prefers for EU legislation on this matter. The preferred proposed strategy would require new vehicles sold after a particular date to be equipped with dedicated DRL that automatically switches on once the engine is running and for existing vehicles to be driven with dipped headlights on at any time.

The Commission proposals are likely to be brought forward soon. Against that background the Road Safety Authority will assess the situation in the context of an overall road safety strategy and advise me on any legislative action that may be appropriate ahead of the impending EU proposals.