Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Today's report from the National Roads Authority makes shocking reading. According to this survey, the level of speeding has increased by 800%. Every single-decker bus and almost every articulated truck is speeding on our motorways. Just over half of secondary school pupils wear seat belts while travelling in the back of cars.

There is an obvious link between the slaughter on the roads and the findings in this report. Deaths on our roads have risen substantially over the past few years. There were 335 such deaths in 2003, 374 in 2004 and 399 in 2005. Already this year, 50 people have lost their lives on Irish roads. In one 24-hour period, eight people died. This is an indication of a national emergency. Had these people lost their lives in a terrorist attack, or whatever, the nation would be in mourning, but as the Irish Independent says today, as it stands, those deaths will inevitably fade from the front pages.

It should be borne in mind that every death on a road is not just another statistic of shame but an unfilled place at a breakfast table or in college, or the absence of a parent to bring a child to school. The Government set out a list of promises nine years ago and it is about time it took serious action to deal with these unwanted and tragic deaths. Responsibility for the roll-out of speed cameras falls between a number of Ministers and Ministries. No-one carries the can or takes responsibility and no-one is seen to be in charge.

The Taoiseach is not responsible for road deaths, nor could he be. It is a matter of driver consideration. However, the Taoiseach and the Government stand indicted, and guilty of the charge of allowing an atmosphere and an environment permeate driving in this country whereby people assume they can get away with driving under the influence of drink or of substance abuse, or with excessive speed. It is about time the Taoiseach took personal charge of this national scandal and litany of shame. I ask him to do so now because one after another, his Ministers have failed miserably in their duty to create that sense of awareness and consideration both for self and for others.

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