Road Safety

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Questions (199)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

199. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware dangerous safety-related car parts that have not been euro-type approved are readily available for sale in Ireland; the person or body that regulates to ensure the vehicles of Irish consumers have replacement parts fitted that meet EU approval; if he will provide details of how many actions/prosecutions have been taken by the RSA to stop this dangerous practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35807/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Jack Chambers)

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) was appointed the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA) in the State, under SI 556/2020 - European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020, as required by EU Regulation (EU) 2018/858.

The MSA is responsible for ensuring that vehicles, systems, components and separate technical units as well as parts and equipment made available on the market in the State comply with all relevant EU legislation and do not endanger health, safety, the environment or any other aspect of public interest protection.

The RSA has informed me that it is not aware of any car parts readily available for sale in Ireland which are required to be type-approved but are not, and which are dangerous from a safety perspective.  While no prosecutions have been taken by the RSA in this regard to date, the RSA at all times takes all aspects of automotive safety very seriously.