Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

Certain people have legitimate defences for their alleged offences under the penalty point system. Let us not over estimate the scale.

Last night, Deputies stated that there is a trend in people taking a gamble on court, but that is not the case. Most people pay on time and, of those who do not, a large portion simply neglect to do so. It is not a deliberate thumbs down to the courts. Let us not over react. The issuing of summonses is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. Our good and well considered policy has been effective, part of the dividend of which is the additional 100 people alive today.

Gay Byrne is highly regarded, as is right. However, the young drivers who cause the difficulties and who do not understand the danger do not know who Gay Byrne is. We have an opportunity to consider an issue I have raised previously, namely, road safety ambassadors. The people who young people look up to are not politicians in all cases. They look up to sports stars.

There has been much debate about whether Gaelic footballers and hurlers should be paid. For example, Dan Shanahan, hurler of the year, could supplement his income with a few quid by going to Waterford's schools to talk to young people about road safety. This suggestion should be considered. I cannot remember the names of any Gaelic footballers from Louth, but I am sure there are one or two people can look up to.

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