Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I know the Government is not used to the scenario of Ministers resigning but the chairman of the National Safety Council, Mr. Eddie Shaw, resigned. Regarding promised legislation to deal with road safety, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, said publicly in newspapers he would introduce legislation to establish the road safety authority by the end of 2005. Can the Minister for Finance indicate whether this can be taken as legislation in its own right or is it part of legislation we have notice of, such as the roads miscellaneous provisions Bill, which is due by 2006? It was promised for 2004 and 2005. Given the gravity of the development of Mr. Shaw's resignation, will the Minister indicate whether the Government will bring forward this legislation or will a debate on road safety be allowed in the meantime? It is predicted that 380 people will die on our roads this year with thousands more traumatised and bereaved.

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