Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy that speed is a major cause of accidents and fatalities. As Deputy Broughan stated, the preferred bidder has been selected but the entire road safety strategy is covered by a number of Departments and agencies. Having the 6,000 hours is a key part of the strategy but the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are responsible for this. We have occasional meetings with all of the agencies involved where everyone answers for progress on the strategy. If an agency or Department is falling behind it is an issue to be discussed among ourselves.

I hope the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda Síochána are soon in a position to move forward and carry out what is in the strategy. Intensive meetings and discussions are taking place in all Departments about Estimates for next year. I hope it is included. I cannot say one way or another at present. It is an important part of the strategy and I hope we can tackle it.

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