Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The whole idea behind transferring responsibility from the Department of Transport to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government was that the condition of the roads would receive greater attention. The key to this is the necessity for an overseeing body to ensure equal standards apply throughout the country. I apologise for the error, as this question should have been put by Deputy McEntee, although my name appears on it. He has made a strong play on this issue, particularly in County Meath. We are seeking a six point road safety plan. Does the Minister agree that, in keeping with international best practice, there should be a safety audit of roads? An independent authority such as the Road Safety Authority should undertake such an audit which cannot be left in the hands of those who do the work to be audited. An independent audit is required.

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