Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Transport when the new regulations for reforming the commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing system will be implemented; the number of extra inspectors that will be assigned to the Road Safety Authority for monitoring the safety and standards of HGVs and other commercial vehicles; the timeline for the implementation of the centralised enforcement system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9614/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for vehicle testing and enforcement of safety requirements was transferred to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006).

I have accepted recommendations from the RSA for reforming the roadworthiness testing regime and for addressing a number of other related issues. Details of the approved reform agenda were published by the RSA on 8 February 2008.

The next step in the reform process is the drawing up by the RSA of an implementation plan which will set out the specific actions to be taken to give effect to the reform programme. This plan will address such matters as the legislative changes required as well as specifying timelines for the completion of the various actions. An Implementation Group, comprising the RSA (chair), my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the County and City Managers Association and An Garda Síochána, has been established to oversee implementation of the reform programme as quickly as possible.