Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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246. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3007/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is involved in an ongoing basis in promoting road safety awareness and education. The Authority engages with cycling groups, particularly during the annual cycle week, and subsidises training in primary schools in conjunction with Local Authorities.

While the range of measures undertaken by the RSA in this area will always be subject to adjustment in response to need, I am satisfied that the Authority is fully engaged in this vital area.

To give an idea of some of the work in this area, the RSA is currently involved in producing a National Cycling Standard, in conjunction with Cycling Ireland and my Department, with input from a number of other stakeholders.  The Standard will focus on ensuring an introductory level of road safety training on bicycles to school children, and preparing them for cycling on the public roads.  The project is targeted for implementation across all schools nationally in early 2016.

A new advertisement campaign has been developed for airing this month and in the summer 2015.  The ad focuses on cycle safety and is aimed at cyclists and drivers, and in particular the need for drivers to take extra care when sharing the road with cyclists.

In addition, the RSA are producing a short vodcast to highlight the blind spot on HGVs as well as conducting observational studies on the use of personal protection equipment – high visibility clothing, for example - by cyclists.  The results will be available on their website later this year.

It remains the responsibility of cyclists to obey the rules of the road.  This is addressed in a series of videos which can be viewed on the RSA Youtube channel .