Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Rabbitte asked why I gave the Garda figures. He said the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was responsible to this House for what the Garda did. I was giving him the factual position from information the Garda had given us. I thought that was what he required. I agree with the Deputy that it was a miracle nobody was killed. If it had not been 4.30 a.m., there would have been large volumes of traffic, but even at that time a considerable number of people are on the road. Thankfully nobody else was injured.

In terms of numbers, as I said previously, Deputy Rabbitte continually wants to point out that matters are much worse than they were. We know that is not the position.

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