Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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120. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that need to be taken to encourage people who are out walking to protect themselves and wear hi-vis jackets at all times (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44715/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and of measures, including the advancement of education, relating to the promotion of the safe use of roads.

The Department is of the view that the wearing protective clothing such as of helmets and high visibility clothing is better achieved by way of educational rather than punitive means and the RSA runs awareness campaigns to this end. The RSA has also distributed several million high-vis vests, armbands and rucksack covers to pedestrians and cyclists in recent years.

For further detail, I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.