asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with safety standards where public roads are used for motor cycle and motor car races and trials; and, if not, the action he proposes to take to correct the position.

When public roads are closed temporarily so as to permit the holding of races or rallies, the setting of the safety standards to be adopted is a matter for the local authority and the Garda. I am satisfied that these bodies, which are familiar with local circumstances, are competent to set such standards. In exercising their powers in relation to road races and similar events, local authorities have a standing instruction from my Department that full consideration should be given to the views of the Garda and that the authorities should obtain assurances that the organisers will make all the necessary arrangements for marshalling etc. in consultation with the Garda.

I have no information which would lead me to conclude that the standards being set are generally less than adequate.