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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Road Safety Authority interference

Summary

Micheál Martin raised concern about reported interference with RSA safety officers and asked the Taoiseach if he had checked with the Transport Minister. The Taoiseach backed the RSA, said the law should be enforced, but said the issue should be raised with the Transport Minister.

I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that the Road Safety Authority, RSA, has been an essential instrument in significantly saving lives on our roads and reducing the degree of injury on them. I am sure he will also be very concerned at reports of interference with the work of RSA safety officers. There was a concerning article in this week's edition of The Sunday Business Post by Michael Brennan detailing that correspondence had been sent to the president of the National Road Haulage Association, NRHA, in respect of continued interference with the work of safety officers and warning that this should cease and that there should be no interference and no 45-minute phone calls with safety inspectors. The Taoiseach will have to agree that this is something of which he would not approve and I would like to have confirmation and clarification that it is something he is concerned about. He might indicate and commit to the House that we could have a full presentation from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in respect of that kind of interference with the work of the RSA. The CEO wrote the letter to the person concerned. Irrespective of anything that is going on, that is something that needs to be stamped out. It is like people ringing a garda and saying he or she has no right to stop somebody or to give a penalty. It is of a similar nature. Given the role and work of the RSA, it has been a success story. It has saved lives and reduced injury. That type of interference should be stamped out and I would like clarity from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on a key part of Government priorities.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I strongly support the work of the RSA and I did for more than three years as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The authority should enforce the law. In respect of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Deputy had best raise that with him as a Topical Issue matter or perhaps as a private notice question.

Comment on this

Is the Taoiseach not concerned about what he read? He read it as well as I read it.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I read it but I do not have all the facts about it.

Comment on this
Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

I call Deputy McDonald.

Comment on this

Did the Taoiseach not bother to check with his Minister?

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I will.

Comment on this