Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 275 together.

Among its functions, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) conducts research and analysis of road safety issues. It is an essential reservoir of knowledge and expertise in the area of road safety, and my Department engages with it on an ongoing basis on all relevant matters. This includes engagement where legislation may be required.

The Road Traffic Measures Bill 2023 was approved for drafting by Cabinet on the 17 October. This Bill stems from the expert, cross-agency Legislative Enabler Group, which sits below the Road Safety Transformation Partnership Board. The RSA is a permanent member of this group.

The Road Traffic Measures Bill 2023 aims to respond to the worrying trend of rising road fatalities.

It should be noted that the recently passed Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 also introduced measures to address electric scooters and electric bikes in line with the Programme for Government Commitment. The Department is working closely with the RSA on this. It is currently intended that these provisions will be commenced in Q1 2024.

In addition, we are continuing work on implementing the Action Plan for Phase 1 of the Government's Road Safety Strategy, which runs from 2021 to 2024. During the coming year we will also be preparing an Action Plan for Phase 2, 2025 to 2027. This new Action Plan will take account of current trends and emerging issues to prioritise activities in high-impact areas. As the Deputy will be aware, the RSA has a statutory role in preparing these strategies, which are subject to ministerial amendment and approval. These strategies will typically identify legislative needs, and the RSA and my Department regularly engage on these matters, both in the preparation of strategies and in their implementation.