Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress in delivering the 126 actions contained in the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012; the other actions in the Road Safety Strategy that will not be achieved on deadline; the reason for the delay in implementing each of these actions; the way he monitors the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012; if he has made a decision on the request from the Road Safety Authority to increase the penalty points awarded for not wearing a seat belt and speeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9612/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 was prepared by the Road Safety Authority, and one of the actions in the Strategy is for that agency to report to me in the second quarter of each year on the implementation of the 126 actions in the Strategy, all of which identify the agency responsible for implementation and a target implementation date.

I expect to have the first report in the second quarter of this year, and anticipate that the report will emphasise road safety outcomes achieved, cost benefit analysis and value for money.

I will of course bring that report to the Cabinet Sub-Committee which I chair, as it is important that the implementation of the Strategy is co-ordinated at the highest level.

The RSA has confirmed to me that all actions in the Strategy identified for completion in 2007 have been completed in full. These include publication of a revised Rules of the Road, road safety awareness events, integration of RSA enforcement activity with An Garda Síochána, Customs and the HSA, and publication of various consultation documents including one on compulsory training for motor cyclists.

It is of course the case that work has already begun on other actions in the Strategy which have a longer timeframe for completion, for example the introduction of a lower blood alcohol level for drivers, which is currently being examined by the Road Safety Authority with a view to making a recommendation to me in the next month or so.

In relation to penalty points, the position is that while fixed charges can be changed by way of amending Regulations, any increase in the number of penalty points applying to specific offences requires primary legislation. It is my intention to introduce a new Road Safety Bill later this year, and the issue of penalty points and the recommendations of the RSA on the matter will be considered in that context.

The new Road Safety Bill will also include provisions relating to a reduced blood alcohol level and to mandatory alcohol testing of drivers at collisions.