Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I am 100% committed to road safety. Last weekend the terrible carnage on our roads was trying and I was tempted to issue a statement but it might have been picked up as being opportunistic. The Chairman of the RSA and the Minister referred to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the failure to acknowledge a letter. That was confirmed for me this morning. While I am glad Gay Byrne may address that issue, I would like to deal with the quality of our roads. It is nice to be able to confirm that the targets set out in June for driving licences are being met. I am delighted more for those involved on the ground than for ourselves or Department officials. I am aware that billions of euro have been spent but in the past three months our roads have turned into a nightmare. The campaign against drink driving is beginning to work but many of the accidents occur during the day. I sent an e-mail to all Fine Gael's Deputies to solicit their views on what might help to push the Government into prioritising the condition of our roads. I do not accept the proposal to reduce accidents by an average of 21 per month.

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