Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine when he proposes to fully transpose Directive 2005/66/EC. [17900/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) responsibility for vehicle standards, including matters relating to vehicle equipment, construction and use, has been transferred to the Road Safety Authority. Technical standards for frontal protection systems (bull bars) for motor vehicles (passenger cars and small vans) have been provided for in EU motor vehicles type-approval Directive 2005/66/EC.

From 25 May 2007, new vehicles fitted with frontal protection systems, and frontal protection systems supplied as separate technical units, are required to be type-approved in accordance with the Directive, in order to be allowed entry into service or be sold in Member States. The Directive has been transposed into Irish law for type-approval of vehicles and frontal protection systems supplied as separate technical units and in relation to entry into service of passenger cars.

Draft regulations were recently submitted to my Department by the Road Safety Authority to also apply the Directive in relation to the entry into service of small vans. I understand that draft regulations to provide for transposition of the outstanding measures of the Directive in relation to the sale or supply of frontal protection systems supplied as separate technical units are at an advance stage of preparation.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine his proposals to introduce a specific Rules of the Road booklet for cyclists. [17901/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of road safety and seeks (in partnership with other organizations such as schools and the Gardaí) to promote proper cyclist behaviour from an early age.

An updated Rules of the Road was published last March and, in addition to the rules that apply to all road users, the publication also outlines the rules that apply specifically to cyclists. Cyclists have a duty of care and must take reasonable measures in their manner of cycling to avoid injury to themselves or to others. The former National Safety Council has, in recent years, published a leaflet titled Cycle safely which is available from the Road Safety Authority. It is now a matter for the RSA to determine if any further separate publication directed at cyclists, is necessary.