Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

275. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department, or any of the State transport agencies, have plans to engage in an information campaign regarding the safety precautions of operating electric vehicles, and safety information in relation to electric vehicles if they are involved in road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63100/25]

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

282. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the provision of safety information to the general public regarding electric vehicles with electronic door handles which have a hidden emergency mechanical release mechanism, in view that if the electronic door handle fails during an accident the occupant may not know how to get out of the car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63273/25]

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

283. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to the provision of safety information to the general public in relation to electric vehicles, in view that electric vehicles may have different operational features to non-EV vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63274/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 275, 282 and 283 together.

I wish to advise the Deputies that all new vehicles must comply with EU Type Approval standards, which specify the requirements for equipment to be sold and registered in the EU.

While EU Type Approval outlines the requirements and standards for each vehicle type, it does not prescribe how specific systems should operate. This applies not only to electric vehicle-specific systems, but also to more general controls such as indicators, lighting, windscreen wipers, handbrakes, air-conditioning and radio systems. The operation of both mandatory and optional driver assistance and safety systems can also vary significantly from one vehicle to another.

All vehicle owners should familiarise themselves with the operating methods of the systems in their own vehicle. The operation of these systems may differ from vehicles the owner has previously driven. Details of system operation are outlined in the vehicle user manual and should be available to be demonstrated by motor dealers.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory 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. I have therefore referred the Deputies' questions to the RSA for direct reply in relation to an information campaign. I would ask the Deputies to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.