Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
216. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to ensure that data on road traffic accidents is made available to researchers in order that they can advise on the best steps to be taken to confront rising accidents and fatalities on our roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19385/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gardaí conduct investigations into road traffic collisions and produce detailed collision reports. These reports provide information on the causes of collisions, which in turn indicates the responses needed to minimise and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) receives this data from the Gardaí.
The RSA is responsible for providing a range of road safety services, including the driver testing, education and public awareness campaigns, and preparation of national road safety strategies. The RSA conduct research and analysis to perform their own functions, as well as providing data to relevant bodies in the sector, such as the Department of Transport and local authorities, and to publish statistical information for other researchers.
Collision reports contact significant amounts of quantitative and qualitative data, including highly sensitive personal data on collision victims and survivors. Provision of this data to researchers would be in contravention of Data Protection rules. However, Gardai, the RSA and other stakeholders are working extensively on the complex issue of ensuring that the appropriate bodies have continued access to the collision reports data.
