asked the Minister for the Environment his plans for this country's participation in the European road safety year.

The final resolution adopted by the EC Transport Council in November 1985 on Road Safety Year 1986 called for programmes of action in each member state in the area of community awareness, legislation and research. A general outline of Ireland's plans for Road Safety Year was given in a press statement issued by my predecessor on 5 February 1986.

In so far as the community awareness aspect is concerned, the major role is being undertaken by the National Road Safety Association. The association's overall programme for 1986, which was developed in consultation with and is funded mainly by my Department, will have a particular Road Safety Year dimension, including the use of the special EC Road Safety Year logo and the common poster. National publicity will feature the themes selected by the EC as appropriate to the year—seat belts, drink/driving, speed, child safety and safety of two-wheeled vehicles.

Specific programmes are being undertaken by the association to mark the year. The association's major undertaking in this respect is a community project scheme. This scheme, which will operate in partnership with local authorities, will involve local community-based groups throughout the country in road safety projects from now right through to September. Full details of the NRSA community project scheme are incorporated in a special brochure produced by the association which has already been distributed to local authority road safety officers. It is intended that the local projects will feature EC themes for Road Safety Year with special emphasis on seat belts. I have arranged for a number of copies of the brochure to be placed in the Dáil Library for the information of Deputies.

The European Commission, on the basis of information supplied by member states, is publishing a "calendar of events" updated from time to time, indicating the various programmes, with dates and locations, being undertaken by individual member states during the year. I propose to circulate in the Official Report details of Ireland's "calendar of events", to the extent determined so far, which has been transmitted to the European Commission. While the lead role is being played by the NRSA in the community awareness aspect of the year, the opportunity has been taken to include in the calendar known events sponsored by other organisations which have a Road Safety Year dimension.

In the area of legislation, 1986 will also see developments. Already in force since the beginning of the year are compulsory fitting of laminated windscreens in new cars, rear underrun devices, side guardrails and "long vehicle" signs for goods vehicles. Later this year I will be bringing a Road Traffic Bill before the House which will provide, in particular, for the reduction of the present blood alcohol limit of 100 milligrammes to 80 milligrammes.

In the area of road safety research, An Foras Forbartha will maintain their normal programme of road safety research. In addition, however, they will produce an extensive version of their annual "Road Accident Facts" in December next to mark Road Safety Year.

Following is the detailed "calendar of events":

EUROPEAN ROAD SAFETY YEAR 1986 (ERSY)

Community Awareness Programme

IRELAND

Calendar of Events