Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vice Chair for giving me his slot. I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for the synopsis and summary of the legislation which he wishes the Oireachtas to enact. I welcome mandatory drug testing. I have the impression, as do many people, that many people who are drug driving are not being apprehended. The public is aware of this. It is very important that gardaí are tooled up with the necessary equipment to deal with this issue. I have the impression from gardaí that the mechanism for testing for this is more time-consuming and difficult than breath testing. One would not want to see a reluctance to do it.

The Minister of State spoke about a public awareness campaign. We have serious difficulties with the rising numbers of deaths and injuries resulting from accidents. The Minister of State referred to figures. It is interesting that when the public is being informed about statistics, people speak in percentage terms. It would be far more effective to give a breakdown in order that people know how many accidents and collisions result in fatalities or serious injury. Unfortunately, some lead to fatalities. The Garda investigates these incidents and completes reports, some of which may lead to prosecution. How is that information compiled and who has access to it? In terms of its delivery to the public, it would be far more effective if the public knew that during the previous weekend, for example, there had been “X” number of apprehensions and the figures for each of the following: excessive speeding; defective tyres or a defective vehicle; tiredness resulting in lack of concentration; driving while using a mobile phone; drink driving; and drug driving. We also need to know about cyclists and e-scooters. They are a nightmare in Dublin. Where are the penalties for cyclists who do not conform to the rules of the road, wobble across a lane, cause an accident and endanger somebody?

On speed limits, the Minister of State indicated that the councils will have a role to play on this area. It is very important that they do. When I drive up to Dublin on the motorway, I can never understand why, when I get as far as Goffs and An Poitín Stil where the road, a dual carriageway, is perfectly safe, the speed limit suddenly goes from 120 km/h down to 80 km/h. Needless to say, a speed van is stuck there and it is like shooting fish in a barrel. That annoys the public. There are many anomalies in relation to the speed limits. The Minister of State indicated the councils will have a role in this mater and there will be national guidelines. We have seen this in the planning process. The national guidelines are so restrictive that they remove discretion from the councils. I hope the same does not happen with these guidelines and it becomes meaningless.

There is a massive problem in Tipperary and across rural Ireland with school transport, which is the Department’s responsibility.