Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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19. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons killed and injured on our roads over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21454/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In 2013, 190 people died in collisions on roads in this country. This was an increase of 17% over the 2012 figures, which was the safest year on Irish roads since records began in 1959. As of the 9th May, 63 people have been killed on our roads this year, a reduction of 3 on the same period last year.  

Garda statistics indicate that there were 318 serious injuries in 2013, an increase of 18 on the 2012 figure.

I am concerned that road fatalities and serious injuries increased in 2013 after a number of years of steady reductions. The Gardaí and the RSA meet regularly to discuss the causes of collisions and the steps necessary to reduce them.

Last year, I launched the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020 which identifies a total of 144 Actions to be implemented by key stakeholders within the timeframes set. Implementation of these Actions will lead to a further significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

In addition to the Strategy, the new Road Traffic Act 2014 provides for adjustment of penalty points for certain offences, introduces a new concept of novice driver, assists the Gardaí in determining the presence of intoxicants in drivers through an impairment testing system and provides for the testing for intoxicants of drivers left incapacitated by a road collision. The provisions of this Act will assist in making our roads safer.