Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 704: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if following his recent announcement in relation to the operation of the penalty points scheme as it relates to the use of mobile phones while driving, if he will consider introducing a minimum standard whereby new vehicles, after a date set by him, will have hands free technology included as a minimum safety standard by the vehicle manufacturer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29047/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Section 3 (1) of the Road Traffic Act 2006 and Statutory Instruments 443 and 444 of 2006 provide for the offence of driving a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place while holding a mobile phone. Offences relating to using a mobile phone for texting or emailing while driving can also be dealt with under Section 52 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (as substituted by Section 50 of the Road Traffic Act 1968). My Department is currently reviewing this legislation with a view to determining its appropriateness in the light of developments, in recent years, in relation to mobile phone technology. Furthermore, my Department will discuss with the Road Safety Authority the possibility, merits and practicalities for applying such standards as suggested by the Deputy.