180. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will consider the creation of a statutory road safety commissioner. [20987/26]

183. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to creating a statutory road safety commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21040/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 183 together.

Road safety is a core priority for me and the Government and the current national framework for road safety is set out in the Government’s fifth Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. The Strategy has the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% this decade, and to achieving Vision Zero—as close as possible to no deaths or serious injuries on Irish roads—by 2050.

The Phase 2 Action Plan 2025–2027 under the Strategy was published in July 2025. In total, the Phase 2 Plan contains 12 primary and 77 support actions, with the potential to deliver truly transformative change. Actions are being delivered through partnership and collaborative working by road safety stakeholders.

My Department is responsible for the central co-ordination of the Road Safety Strategy and implementation of the Phase 2 Action Plan is overseen at Ministerial level by the Road Safety Leadership Group (RSLG). I chair this Group which is attended by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs. This Group also comprises senior officials from all key road safety partners including An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, National Transport Authority, the Courts Service, Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Health and Safety Authority and the Local Authorities

The Group oversees implementation of the Strategy. Action owners are required to report quarterly on actions in their areas and the RSLG meets quarterly to review these updates and to discuss progress on the delivery of the 12 Primary Actions. Additional updates as required are provided on the 77 support actions.

A Road User Safety Forum is also in place and gives a range of road user and road safety advocates an opportunity to contribute to the Phase 2 Action Plan.

The RSA has the statutory remit 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. The Deputies may be aware that the Department is developing revised proposals for reform of the RSA while retaining the current overall structure of the Authority. Having considered the recommendations of the 2024 Indecon review of the RSA, Minister O’Brien and I have decided not to replace the RSA by the creation of two new entities. However, we are strongly of the view that change is still needed and that reform of the RSA remains necessary. Updated reform proposals, including consideration of using high-profile road safety ambassadors, will be informed by the findings of the Indecon review and experience over the last year. I will present these proposals to Government in the coming weeks.

I believe the current structures are the most appropriate for delivery of road safety improvements under the Government's Road Safety Strategy.