Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's report. In 2005, there were 396 road deaths. Last year, the figure was 279, a decrease of 117. The RSA was established due to the outcry about the slaughter on the roads. Many initiatives have since been taken. I would push to the limit the education of young people.

The Minister knows of the considerable input provided by Mr. Michael Finnegan, a road safety officer in our county, in educating people on not drinking and driving. This is the bottom line. People should find a way to get to and from places without drinking and driving. Young people follow this message because they will not sit into a car being driven by someone who has been drinking.

The other issue is speed. Given the drastic number of sergeants leaving the Garda force, I am concerned that we will not be in a position to patrol roads. Nothing is more striking than the sight of a garda or a patrol car on the road. One will cut one's speed. The reduction in law enforcement numbers will affect everyone. In one station in Dublin, seven of nine sergeants have left.

We all know what must happen, but it has not yet come about. When will the Garda begin testing for drug driving?

See this speech in context