Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Transport his view on the recent report by the British Vehicle and Operator Services Agency that up to 55% of Irish registered vehicles, including public service vehicles, travelling to the UK are in breach of safety regulations; the explication for the discrepancy between the number of detections here and in the UK in view of the similarity of the regulatory standards; and the response he will make to the VOSA's report. [13540/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question Nos. 61, 69, 105 and 106 on 3 April 2007. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards has passed to the Road Safety Authority. The Road Safety Authority has advised my Department that while it has not been provided with the report in question by the UK authorities it is aware of the situation relating to the performance of Irish vehicles inspected by the UK Vehicle Operating Standards Agency (VOSA) for compliance with vehicle standards requirements.

While not wishing to excuse or down-play the seriousness of the findings in relation to Irish vehicles, I understand that the nature of the problems identified in the UK are not unique to Irish vehicles. Insofar as improving vehicles standards and enforcement in this State is concerned, the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 strengthens the institutional framework for improving enforcement levels for vehicle and driver legislation and for increasing cooperation with the Garda Síochána, which has responsibility for enforcement of road traffic law, including vehicle standards. The Road Safety Authority, which was formally established on 1 September 2006, has now taken over responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, roadworthiness testing and enforcement of drivers hours, tachograph and licensing regulations. The Chief Executive Officer of the Authority is putting in place the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate and in that regard four (4) vehicle testers have been recruited by the Authority. The addition of these testers will significantly strengthen the capacity of the Authority in relation to vehicle standards and it is the intention to provide further resources for that area. It is a priority for the Road Safety Authority in conjunction with the Garda Síochána to increase and enhance the arrangements for enforcement of vehicle standards. The CEO has met with the UK Department for Transport and VOSA to agree protocols for joint working. Insofar as enforcement is concerned, the Garda Síochána has brought the Traffic Corps within a more unified structure, under the direction of an Assistant Commissioner. There has been a significant increase in the strength of the Garda Traffic Corps. The Corps has been increased from 500 in early 2005 to 805 by the end of 2006 and will reach 1,200 by 2008.

In August 2006 the Road Safety Authority engaged consultants to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme of compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of goods vehicles and buses. My Department has been informed by the Authority that it has received the report from the consultants and that it is being examined by the Authority. I expect to receive the report and recommendations from the Road Safety Authority shortly.