The criticism comes in the wake of a survey that shows Ireland has the worst record in Europe for rollling out ESC (Electronic Stability Control), also called ESP, coming lowest of 25 EU countries.

ESC improves the vehicle's braking system in wet and slippery conditions by giving the driver more control in an emergency. It is a European technology which recognises when a skid is starting and in a fraction of a second the electronic control unit applies the brakes at individual wheels to keep the car under control during an emergency manoeuvre, or if there is an error of judgement. It does for over-steer or under-steer what antilock steering does for skidding, making vehicles much more likely to follow the driver's chosen line in a braking manoeuvre.

In fact, a range of studies have shown ESC can reduce single-vehicle accidents by as much as 35%. The AA feels that at the very least one in five single-car accidents could be avoided if the ESC technology was provided in cars. "Car manufacturers in Europe are simply not supplying ESC and the EU is yet ready to compel them to do so, " says Conor Faughnan, AA public affairs manager. He points out, "In the USA legislators have incentivised its use and the USA is now pulling ahead of Europe in the roll-out despite the fact that the technology originated here."

All new cars in the USA will have to be fitted with ESC by 2011. Since the inroduction of ESC in 1995 market penetration of the system remains low in many EU countries.

Denmark is top of the league in Europe for cars with the system and this is because the government there exempts ESC and anti-lock brake costs from VAT and VRT.

But while the EU has not legislated for introduction of the technology it has come up with a provision cost figure of 130 when factory fitted.

Add VAT at 21% and VRT on top of that at between 22.5%-30% and the cost here should be about 210 if the EU base figure is correct. A suprisingly low figure considering the cost options here.

Ford will supply ESC as standard on the new Mondeo and Transit vehicles but says ESC is available for 500 as "an extra special offer" on the Focus. Nissan offers ESC for 800 "at a very competitive reduced rate" on the new Quashqai. Other manufacturers have even higher prices. Like Ford, VW offers ESC as standard on the Passat and Ford and has indicated that ESC is likely to be standard on other models in the company line-up.

Last November the AA joined with the SIMI in calling on the government to exempt life-saving technologies from VRT. Faughnan says, "Irish drivers are just not being offered, or even being informed about this new cheap technology, hence the take-up of ESC here is the worst in Europe.

According to the survey by the AA and EuroNCAP, the car testing body, Ireland comes out worst in the Euro 25 country league with the lowest percentage of all cars on the market where ESC is fitted as standard, and we also have the worst figure for the technology not being available.