John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the provisions in the Bill, which in effect is a further effort to build on the good work of recent years in making our roads safer for all citizens, whether they be motorists, pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. Sometimes one can look on penalty points as being harsh, but we must educate people to see them as incentives for better behaviour on the road rather than impediments or harsh penalties. We will all benefit if that approach is successful.

We all welcome the downward trend in road deaths in recent years, especially between 2001 and 2012. That has had a knock-on effect in terms of reduced motor insurance premiums. I acknowledge the lead taken by the RSA. Since it was set up it has led from the front and helped to change the culture among motorists. The headquarters of the RSA is in my constituency in Ballina. On many occasions I have seen the methodical, researched and logical way it has confronted road safety in order to convince members of the public of the need to change their behaviour on the roads. The RSA's actions have been spearheaded by the outgoing CEO, Noel Brett, who will shortly move on to new pastures. He has left a great legacy in terms of how things should be done. He has rightly set the bar high for his successor, whoever he or she might be. I wish him well in his new post. On his previous appearance before the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications he warned about becoming complacent in view of the decreasing number of fatalities. He also predicted that they would increase. Unfortunately, that is now happening. It is opportune that the Bill is being introduced at this time. I commend the Garda, which has implemented many of the measures taken in recent years, often in difficult circumstances and with reduced resources, as is the way in every area currently. We are experiencing an increase in the number of road deaths. It seems inevitable that the increase will not be corrected before the end of the year.

I also commend the Minister for his introduction of the Bill at this opportune time. I welcome the fact that he has consulted widely on the measures contained in it. The consultation ranged from expertise from abroad and in this country to Oireachtas committees and individual Members on all sides of the House. This is a new development that must be welcomed. It is especially welcome at the moment, when Dáil reform is top of the agenda. It is an ideal way to approach road safety.

Speed, intoxication, fatigue and lack of concentration are the main causes of traffic accidents. Many of the issues are being addressed and strengthened in the legislation. In recent weeks and months penalty points have been a topic of conversation for negative reasons. It is undeniable that the introduction of penalty points in 2002 is a key reason for the reduction in road deaths. I remember the weekend they were introduced; the country was travelling at a snail’s pace. That has adjusted somewhat since, but penalty points have had a positive effect. The measures on penalty points in the Bill are helpful also.

I will not go into detail on the other changes being introduced, such as testing for alcohol of those who have been injured in accidents. Safeguards are required in that regard, but I welcome the measure, which will address drug driving as well. We should not lose sight of the progress that has been made. I refer to the 65% reduction in road deaths between 1997 and 2012 when the number of cars increased by 66%. Much good work needs to be done, but the Bill will strengthen the measures that are required to continue the good work.

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