Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Tá feabhas ag teacht ar do chuid Gaeilge, a Cheann Comhairle. Tá tú ag déanamh go maith.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the fact that Anne Enright has won the Man Booker Prize for her novel, The Gathering. I am sure the House wishes to recognise this.

I recognise the pragmatism of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, in accepting yesterday evening the Fine Gael motion on mandatory breath testing where injuries occur in road accidents. This is realism and good politics. It is good for road users and it is about time it was done. I thank the Minister. Deputy O'Dowd is pleased with his response.

Every year 100,000 drivers take to the roads without insurance. This is at least three times the rate in most European countries. On average, 20 people are killed and approximately 2,000 injured — some seriously — by uninsured drivers every year. This is scandalous. Not only does this visit tragedy and trauma on the families and next of kin of those killed or injured, it also gives rise to a cost of €60 million, that we know of, in claims by drivers who are insured and law abiding. It is time to get tough with this serious matter.

What does the Government intend to do about the rate of uninsured drivers on the roads? Does the Taoiseach agree the time has come for those who use the roads without insurance to be made to pay the price? Does he agree those who are apprehended driving uninsured should have their cars confiscated and sold and the proceeds used for victims' compensation?

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