Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

It might have sent my blood sugar level all over the shop.

I am sure Deputy Durkan will support me in contending it is important that we understand the Garda has a job to do. Some of my colleagues referred to the considerable work the Garda must do and the resources necessary in this regard. I strongly support the view that there should be regular checks on our roads, both in urban and rural areas. Deputy Mattie McGrath might not be happy with my saying that but if nobody tells him he will not know.

I do not want to upset anybody in the Labour benches by making my next point. I ask the Leas-Cheann Comhairle not to tell them about it. I receive a lot of mail asking why the Garda needs to enforce what many believe to be a ridiculous speed limit in Dublin city centre. I do not want to be controversial in saying that and do not want Mr. Gay Byrne writing to me saying I am against road safety. Of course I am not against it but I wonder about certain regulations. I am from this city. I do drive and also use the Luas. One wonders about the speed regulation in the city centre. I hope the Labour Party leader in Dublin City Council, whom I am sure is a good man, will understand there are issues and that people are confused about them. Constituents have asked me why the Garda is enforcing the new speed limit. I am in the city three days per week but do not see gardaí out in huge numbers enforcing it, which is fair enough.

We have had a very good discussion on the Road Traffic Bill 2009. I listened to many of the speeches and will continue to do so. I hope the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, is listening to what people are saying and to their concerns. As I stated last night, I have no real contact with rural communities other than Bohernabreena in Tallaght but I know colleagues from many parts of the country, from all parties and none, have issues they want to bring to the Minister's attention. I hope the Minister will listen, as he does. I look forward to the passage of the Bill through the Houses and I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his courtesy.

See this speech in context