Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I will deal with Deputy O'Dowd in a moment. I had an opportunity to speak last night, so I do not wish to repeat my contribution. I thank the Opposition spokesperson for introducing this motion and I am always happy to applaud the efforts of Deputy O'Dowd. We have both survived an onslaught by Fine Gael candidates to return here.

I am sorry the Minister for Transport is not here because I would like to compliment him on his efforts. I am glad the Opposition benches were full of praise for the Minister this morning. Since the introduction in July 2006 of legislation to allow for the commencement of mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints, more than 30,000 drivers have been tested per month. This, alongside a significant increase in high-visibility enforcement, has resulted in 90 fewer deaths on the roads to the end of July 2007 compared to the same period last year.

According to a report recently published by the European Transport Safety Council, Ireland has improved its road safety standing in Europe. We have climbed four places in the past year to become the 12th lowest for road deaths per million in population of the 29 countries surveyed. The report also shows that road deaths in Ireland have decreased since 2001.

I have been stopped on three occasions at alcohol testing checkpoints on the Tallaght bypass. I was happy to co-operate, although on one occasion the garda manning the checkpoint was somewhat startled. Possibly due to the sad life I lead, the test result revealed a zero level of alcohol on every occasion.

The Minister has announced that existing legislation will be amended to allow for compulsory roadside alcohol testing of drivers involved in serious accidents. This important development is a priority for the Government. I took my time coming into town this morning so that I could spend some time in Tallaght village and Firhouse, where I spoke with constituents about this issue. The reaction was very positive and people generally accepted the proposals. However, certain difficulties may arise in respect of the measure. Reference was made in the Minister's statement to testing when people are clearly injured. I also ask for clarification on whether proper resources and services will be put in place to facilitate situations in which people are brought to a Garda station as a result of a refusal to be breathalysed on site.

The issue of driver testing remains to be addressed. Statistics have been proffered with regard to the difficulties we continue to face in that regard. It is a long time since I passed my driving test. I do not mind admitting that I failed it on my first attempt and I am not even sure if I passed on my second. It is healthy to have a reasonable failure rate because passing the test should be difficult. I am anxious, however, that all our major population centres have sufficient resources to ensure waiting times are kept under control. Last night, I outlined the problems that arose in Tallaght in regard to accommodation and I ask the Minister to ensure these challenges are overcome. I also noted that people in places such as Shankill were sent to Naas rather than Bray, where they wanted to go.

I am within my time, so the Leas-Cheann Comhairle should not panic.

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