Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

With regard to the road safety strategy, we have had almost 250 deaths so far this year and recently we had a couple of very bad weekends in terms of deaths and casualties. We know each of these family tragedies costs the country approximately €3 million. Already this year, the tragedies have cost us €750 million. The Minister of State referred to actions completed in 2006 and 2007. However, they were broad and general. If he examines the specifics of 2008 he will see that he is far too complacent. Since the role of Minister of State with responsibility for road safety was established we seem to be getting worse.

Actions Nos. 72 and 73 with regard to the graduated driver licence require legislation to ensure new drivers can drive safely for the first few years. Neither the Minister nor the Taoiseach seemed to know this a few months ago. Action No. 26 is with regard to speed cameras and this has been an issue for the past 11 or 12 years, since the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, announced the roll out of speed cameras at 600 locations. We have allocated €10 million for it and have had a preferred bidder. It will probably bring in approximately €40 million in income and will cost €25 million. Where are the speed cameras and why was this not finished? It states in the road safety strategy that it was to be finished a number of months ago. That was the timeframe.

I want to give one or two other brief examples. Action No. 66 with regard to the code of practice for the management of roadwork sites and bad roads and bad surfaces did not happen by the third quarter. Actions Nos. 80, 82, 116 and 121 cover a range of areas in which the Minister of State has fallen behind.

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