Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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959. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has received from the Road Safety Authority regarding extending the requirement to test all veteran and vintage vehicles over thirty years; if he is aware that the overwhelming majority of these vehicles have no commercial or day to day purpose, other than the hobby interest of their owners; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these vehicles cannot meet the current National Car Test requirements placed on other vehicles; the evidence available to the Authority or his Department regarding accidents and incidents involving these vehicles and impacting on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11075/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The review by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of the arrangements in relation to the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles will be examined by my officials for submission of recommendations to me which I will consider in due course.

As the Deputy may be aware, the current position is that pre-1980 cars and motor caravans that are used solely for social and domestic purposes are exempt from compulsory roadworthiness testing.

I understand from the RSA that while reliable statistics are not available, vintage vehicles are generally maintained in good order by their owners and that there is no evidence to suggest that such vehicles are over-represented in terms of collisions on Irish roads. I also understand that evidence from the UK would suggest that vintage vehicles have a much lower accident rate than newer vehicles.

I am advised however that none of the recommendations contained in the RSA's review would involve those who currently enjoy an exemption from compulsory testing, that is, those owners of vehicles first registered prior to 1^stJanuary 1980 and used for social and domestic purposes, being brought within the compulsory roadworthiness testing regime. I fully appreciate the value of the vintage and veteran vehicle movement to the heritage and cultural life of our country and I would hope that, pending the outcome of my consideration of the issues involved, this clarification will assuage any concerns of vintage vehicle owners.