Tom Shehan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two issues relating to the justice portfolio. When will the coroners Bill come before the House?

Could we ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to discuss the possibility of making it compulsory for pedestrians and cyclists - three cyclists have been killed already this year - to wear reflective jackets in areas where there are no footpaths or lighting? As it stands, I had a run-in with this over Christmas. I met a man who walks the roads and wears a long dark coat. God forbid any poor driver might come along and be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident. I put it to the man on two occasions over Christmas that I would bring him a reflective jacket. He said that he had three of them at home but would not wear them. It is okay because the person who will get knocked down by a car at 25 mph will be killed, but the person driving the car will have to live with that for the rest of his or her life. I believe it should be compulsory for people walking and for cyclists in areas where there are no footpaths or lighting to wear reflective jackets. I call on the Leader to arrange a debate on the matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality.