andMr. Walsh asked the Minister for Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a recent survey (details supplied) carried out by a company (name supplied) which indicates that one third of the motor cars in the State have defective tyres; and if, in the interest of road safety, he will state the steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

A copy of this report was sent to me very recently. Any persons using vehicles with faulty tyres, apart from being a danger to themselves and other road users, are in breach of the Road Traffic Acts, and are risking substantial fines and even imprisonment. Enforcement of the statutory requirements is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

I might add that the issues involved in relation to a scheme for vehicle inspection or testing will be considered in the light of the results of a research project by An Foras Forbartha and any standards of requirements which may arise under the EEC common transport policy.

Does the Minister expect that the investigation going on will be completed in the near future? If not, will he and his Department take a decision as to whether or not they will have these checks? Is it going to be long?

No, it will not be very long until we have the report. Unfortunately I think it would be a mistake—even if we had it now—to make a decision on it in view of the fact that there is likely to be an EEC common transport policy introduced, perhaps, late this year or early next year.