Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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12. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the number of road fatalities on our roads this year; the way this compares with last year; his views on the operation of the Road Safety Authority; the resources needed to carry out fully its duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21529/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As of yesterday,14 May, the total number of fatalities on our roads in 2014 was 67. That is the same number for the same period last year. While it is too early in the year to be certain, I am hopeful that the year on year rise in fatalities experienced in 2013 will not be repeated this year. All of the agencies involved continue to examine the causes of road deaths and propose measures to be taken to improve safety for all road users.

Last year I launched the Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020. This contains 144 Actions to be implemented by the various agencies involved in order to build on the previous strategies with the objective of improving safety, sustainably on our roads, making Ireland among the safest countries for road safety. I will continue to ensure that every effort is made in implementing the Actions contained and earlier this week I met with all the relevant stakeholders to monitor progress.

In recent months I  also brought  through the Oireachtas the Road Traffic Act 2014, which contains measures that will contribute to the road safety improvements.

The new Strategy was developed by the Road Safety Authority whose principal role is the promotion of road safety. I am satisfied that the RSA receives all of the necessary resources and assistance it requires from my Department in carrying out its functions.