Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The only thing I ever have to say to chair designates who come in here is that I am sorry we have wasted their time by bringing them here. We do not have any yea or nay over the appointment of chairs. This is purely a formality. However, today's engagement with Dr. Bedford has been far wider than just being a formality. I thank him for his engagement and for his willingness to engage with my colleagues on the area of drink and drug driving and the damage this does on the roads. I have been driving for approximately 42 years and the first time I was ever stopped and breathalysed was at 2 a.m. in Sandyford while returning from Northern Ireland. I was quite surprised to be stopped after all those years. Thankfully, I passed the test. I wish we saw a bit more of it, that is to say, more random checks. I appreciate that it is quite hard to have random checks on the motorway network. I would like to see a little bit more sense with regard to speed cameras. It does not make a lot of sense to have a speed camera on the N11 when it is a dead straight and clear road. There is no speed control on many of the country roads we travel. I used to talk about a very elderly relation of mine who used to go to the pub every night and whose car knew its own way home. The speed cameras should be on those roads. I thank the Chair for allowing me in.