Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will publish the Road Safety Authority's recommendations to strengthen the HGV roadworthiness testing regime which he has accepted; when he will publish the requisite legislation to implement these regulations; the number of inspections that were carried out on HGVs in 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of inspectors employed to monitor health and safety standards of HGVs; the number of vehicles found not to meet the required standards; if prosecutions ensued; if so, the number for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3392/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for vehicle testing was transferred to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006. Information on testing activity is therefore a matter for the RSA. I recently accepted recommendations from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on reforming the roadworthiness testing regime for commercial vehicles, for implementation as quickly as possible.

Before publication by the RSA of the details of the reform agenda it is important that the relevant stakeholders are apprised of the position. I understand that the RSA is in the process of doing this and publication can be expected in the near future. Requirements for legislative reform may arise from this process in due course. Any such proposals would be developed by RSA in the first instance and recommendations made to me in relation to new Regulations or primary legislation as the case may be. Enforcement of road traffic law is a matter for the Garda Síochána while the Health and Safety Authority is responsible for enforcement of health and safety regulations.