Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the loss of eight lives on roads here over the St. Patrick's Day 2009 holiday period, he will liaise with the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána to review all road safety measures that are in place; if he will increase the level of road safety enforcement on roads here; the actions under the RSA 2007 to 2012 strategy which have not been implemented on deadline and on budget; the reason for the failures; his plans for transport and residential road safety legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13668/09]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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While we are making significant progress in reducing death and injuries on our roads, regrettably fatalities continue to occur, each of which is a tragedy for families, friends and communities. Road safety is a priority for Government, and the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 is a key safety initiative. It is being successfully implemented with the involvement of a number of Departments, An Garda Síochána, and other agencies, and we have seen a sustained reduction in the number of people killed on our roads. 2008 saw the lowest number of fatalities on record, down to 279, and the downward trend continues this year, with a further reduction at end March of [19] on the same period last year.

The Road Safety Authority is required to report to me annually on the implementation of the Actions in the Strategy, and has reported that all actions identified for 2007 have been completed. The report for 2008 will be presented to me in June, but it is clear that substantial progress continues to be made.