Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

Where are they are? Alas, we are here discussing this Bill. When a Bill is introduced that will affect people's lives, in terms of road safety in this instance, it is important that sufficient time is allocated for consideration of the addressing of the many issues involved.

The biggest issue in regard to rural Ireland is the decrease in the number of people going to pubs and this has raised great concern that jobs will be lost. This is a legitimate concern throughout the country.

Deputy Dooley raised the issue of loneliness, which is a problem. However, having reached a point where people accept that drink-driving is dangerous, we must introduce alternatives which will protect rural areas and help address rural isolation. Some years ago, we were able to have one or two drinks before driving home. This is now illegal, however, and one must abide by the law. The Minister should examine how transport can be provided at night for older people and others who wish to have one or two drinks, meet neighbours or have a game of cards in their local pub. These people need a safe means of travelling home.

Ireland has experienced a rapid cultural change in recent years. People now drink more at home and young people buy vast amounts of imported alcohol to drink at home. This change in culture has not been good. The Government must give serious consideration to finding alternative forms of transport for those in rural areas who wish to visit their local pub. A simple solution would be to provide a tax concession to pub owners who wish to operate a small minibus which would bring seven or eight customers home. Such a measure would change the culture in rural areas. I have observed one or two examples of this practice which is effective. We must protect those, whether young or old, who wish to have a few drinks and a chat in their local pub. The pub adds to the quality of life in Ireland and enables tourists to enjoy a song and dance. We are, however, fast losing this great culture. I ask the Minister to address this issue.

The Minister has strong views on what needs to be done. I have no doubt that when the legislation is enacted, it will affect the rural quality of life many of us want to maintain. One hears a great deal about job creation, the poor state of the economy and the need to pull together. There is a strong case, however, for taking action to protect the quality of life in rural areas.

Many issues arise in the area of road safety, of which the quality of roads is an important one. It takes a long time to have a bend removed from a country road as there are few means of doing so. Given the large number of farmers involved in the REP scheme, I ask the Minister to ensure his Department co-operates with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to have dangerous bends removed and improve sight distance on roads, for example, by cutting back hedgerows. Co-operation between the Departments would save lives and substantial sums of money. Accidents can occur easily at bends because drivers cannot see large oncoming trucks or drivers travelling at excessive speeds.

It is vital to educate young drivers. As a father of three young men who drive, I am acutely aware of parents' concerns about young people driving cars at night. It is a real worry to have a child who drives a high powered vehicle. Although we knock young people at times, I commend them on choosing not to drink and drive and for sharing cars and bringing friends home. Young people aged 17 or 18 years should receive better driver training, including as part of the transition year programme. They must be educated on the dangers of high powered motor vehicles because many of them do not understand the dangers involved. There is significant scope for providing driver training in transition year and helping young people to become aware of the dangers on our roads.

On speed cameras, I, like every other public representative, travel extensively by road. While I note that drivers are much more aware of speed limits and are less likely to race, one still finds the odd lunatic who will overtake at high speed even when one is driving at the speed limit. Speed cameras are needed to catch and control these fellows, most of whom drive cars which have two protruding exhausts and produce noise levels that would frighten the life out of anybody.

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