Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Crowe and Kenny and other members and, in particular, the Commissioner. This is possibly the Commissioner's first time before the transport committee. He is very welcome. I hope it was not too traumatic. I thank Deputy Commissioner Hilman, who has been here a number of times. She is always welcome. On my behalf and on behalf of the committee, I thank them and the entire workforce for all the work they do.

I am the grandson of a garda who joined in 1923; I think he was one of the first members of the force. He spent his career there. We all value what the Garda does. It is not an easy job. Taking from the closing remarks, I advise anybody watching and anyone getting behind the wheel of any vehicle, consider carefully how your actions could impact others and yourself. Slow down, put the phone away, give your full attention to the road and we will all be a bit safer. That is a message for all of us. We had debates in the Seanad about data centres. I saw everyone in the Seanad during those debates on their phones at the same time that they were complaining about data centres using too much electricity. We are all wedded to our phones. A phone is an important tool. People think when they use the hands-free function, they are not distracted. When you do that, while you might not be breaking the rules, you are distracted. Possibly, the same applies to changing the radio station or looking at the satnav. Let us all pay more attention and have less distraction. Do not drink and drive, do not take drugs and drive and so on. We will be a bit safer. We look forward to engaging with the witnesses in the future.