M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

This debate on the serious matter of road safety is timely, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, a period when in recent years serious road accidents claimed a number of lives. Last weekend, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads was over the average for the time of year.

It is important to recognise, however, that the number of fatalities on our roads this year to date is just above 300, which is an improvement on the carnage in recent years. It is also worth noting that the ratio of road fatalities compared to the number of vehicles using the roads has declined over the past ten years. This is due in no small way to the implementation of new road traffic Acts and the vigilance and co-operation of gardaí, the traffic corps in particular, in implementing the new laws.

The three main reasons for the reduction in deaths on our roads are the new drink driving laws, the implementation of speed limits and the vigilance of the Garda traffic corps. The Ministers for Transport and Justice, Equality and Law Reform are to be commended in this regard. A new attitude exists among young drivers who, if going out for a night, nominate a driver who will not drink. I commend the drinks industry in this regard also. On my way to Dublin yesterday I heard its advertisement advising sensible drinking by people going out for a night.

Another contributory factor to reduced accidents is the availability of taxis. The changes in the laws relating to taxi licences improved the situation. One of the big problems for individuals previously was the unavailability of taxis. At certain times during the Christmas season there are still problems with availability, but in general there has been an improvement in recent years, which should be commended.

It is important to acknowledge the strides made with regard to road safety, including the improvement in the quality of cars and roads and the investment made by various Governments over the past 20 years in infrastructure. Improvements in public lighting in our towns and villages, the implementation of the road safety strategy and the establishment of the Road Safety Authority have also gone a long way to improving road safety. The introduction of penalty points improved the statistics for a short time and the recent extension of that system, to include 35 new areas, should improve statistics with regard to deaths and serious injury on the roads. In addition, the implementation of the law on speeding, drink-driving and seat belt wearing has gone a long way towards reducing the number of road deaths. I commend the Minister on the establishment of the Road Safety Authority, the roll-out of the Garda traffic corps, the introduction of mandatory alcohol testing and a graduated driving licence system for learner drivers. While there was much debate about the Minister's announcement on enforcement of the law regarding second provisional licence holders, it is gratifying to note that there is now a commitment that 120,000 individuals who have applied for their driving tests will be given the opportunity to take these tests by late next year. That is to be welcomed.

Last year I heard a complaint from a person who turned up for his driving test at 9.30 a.m. on a frosty morning, only to be told by the tester that he would not do the test as the weather was too poor. I could not understand why a person would not be allowed to do the test under any weather conditions, including normal winter conditions. However, I understand that this is the case, and I did not get much satisfaction when I checked with the Department.

I support the strategic approach covering the period 2007-12. Based on the success of the last two safety policy strategic approaches which were introduced in the 1990s, we will see even greater improvements due to this. The primary target is to reduce road deaths and injuries by achieving substantial progress in the areas of speeding, drink-driving and seat belt wearing. The extension in April of the 35 penalty point offences will go some way towards achieving improvements in this area.

Driver behaviour should be highlighted. The more effective enforcement by the Garda that we see, the better. One of the issues that needs to be considered is in the area of penalty points. They are effective, but I know of people who received penalty points who have claimed that after the three-year period for the points had expired they were not made aware of this. Having made inquiries, I understand they should be informed. Perhaps the Minister will consider this.

I commend the Minister on his efforts to improve safety on our roads. Great strides have been made, but there is a long way still to go.

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