Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Ms O'Donnell and apologise for being late. When farmers get talking, it is hard to stop them. I look forward to seeing Ms O'Donnell regularly in the coming months and hope she will enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with the committee. We have discussed the issues that will be under her remit and some of the issues that are more appropriate for the National Roads Authority or local authorities. I met Ms O'Donnell's predecessor at various events in recent years and he was never afraid to speak his mind. I hope the chairman designate will bring the same enthusiasm to the role.

It is disappointing that the road fatality figures are up this year. We were on a fantastic downward streak for quite some time, but it is very hard to keep the numbers going in the same direction. I am particularly struck by the figures for last year showing the number of pedestrians who were killed. I have seen the new television advertisement which shows how different road users see the road in different ways. There needs to be greater focus on safety for pedestrians. Although I did not know until recently what the "N" stood for, the introduction of N-plates is a welcome development.

There is a huge focus on young people being aware and taking care - knowing what to do on the road - but there should be more focus on pedestrians, as the numbers speak for themselves. I wish Ms O'Donnell the best of luck.

Since the bus crash at Johnstown, County Meath, road safety measures have doubled, and people must adhere to what is set out in a large booklet, but this means less work is being done. Fewer roads are being resurfaced and this creates danger, so a balance must be struck. Safety is the priority. I again wish Ms O'Donnell the best of luck and hope she is back before this committee soon.