Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 530: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a database with information in relation to the towing capabilities of all cars, 4x4s, light commercial vehicles and agricultural tractors weighing up to 3.5 tonnes, in order that motorists can access information easily and ensure that they are not unwittingly towing trailers with unsuitable vehicles, which could cause great difficulty in the event of an accident or if stopped by police; or if he will can provide information on the source from which such information can be accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28340/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The towing capacity of all roadworthy vehicles is set out in the manufacturers handbook for the vehicle, which the owner of a vehicle should have access to. In view of the ease of availability of information on towing capacity to each vehicle owner a database replicating such information is considered unnecessary.

All motorists should be cognisant of their vehicles' towing capacity as it can vary depending on the exact specification of the towing vehicle and is subject to whether or not the trailer has brakes. In relation to trailers, all trailers used on public roads must meet with Irish road safety regulations. Further information on this matter is available on the Road Safety Authority's website at www.rsa.ie .