Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the points raised previously, I echo the sentiment around secondary roads where speed limits are probably in and around 80 km/h. We have seen the statistics that more than 70% of fatalities are on these secondary roads and that they occur frequently on weekends. That does not get away from the response the Government is taking in respect of TII's evaluation around black spots but unless there is sufficient funding to support engineering solutions and infrastructure solutions, we will certainly continue to have these fatalities. Is there a commitment in this year's Estimates for increased funding towards engineering solutions for accident black spots? Will the local authorities be sufficiently supported through the national road design offices to implement these?

On today's topic, have any innovations or recommendations been put forward by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety with regard to deterrents around drink driving and drug driving? We heard previously of the development of an alcohol ignition interlock system. Is this something the Government is looking to pilot or are they planning to implement it on a voluntary basis? Is this something we may see into the future? Are there other areas around drug testing the Government will look to implement, be it in the workplace or within the public service?