Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Transport the resources he will allocate to the RSA to dramatically enhance their programme for inspecting the driver and vehicle standards of HGVs; if he will introduce primary or secondary legislation to set higher standards for the testing of HGVs in view of the very high percentage of Irish trucks found to be in breach of standards in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32804/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The funding provided to the Road Safety Authority is agreed in the context of the annual Estimates, and has been finalised for 2008. It is a matter for the Road Safety Authority to manage resources in line with the funding provided by Budget 2008.

In relation to the standards for testing of commercial vehicles, a fundamental review of the arrangements for the compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of these vehicles has been conducted by consultants engaged by the Road Safety Authority. On foot of this review, the Road Safety Authority has made a number of recommendations to me, which I have accepted, to strengthen the roadworthiness testing regime and to address a number of related issues. Where necessary, new legislation will be introduced.

I have asked that the relevant stakeholders in this area, including the local authorities, be informed of my acceptance of the recommendations of the RSA report and that the necessary consultative and other implementation arrangements be commenced. These steps will be taken in the coming weeks and the RSA report will then be placed in the public domain.