Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I may not have been that good of a politician. I just wanted to put that example on the record.

Turning to paramedics and the health field, road traffic accidents have led to a significant loss of life and many injuries in recent years. The advanced paramedics and paramedics who attend accidents on the side of the road must deal with horrific injuries. I pay tribute to the fire service and other accident and emergency services. If one gets involved in a road traffic accident, paramedics, advanced paramedics and the ambulance and fire services will deal with one on the side of the road and use an air ambulance to move one to a suitable accident and emergency unit as quickly as possible. I pay tribute to the men and women who provide that great service to our country.

Work has been done to ensure that drivers are made aware of the fact that they are controlling self-propelled vehicles that can kill. Systems need to be in place to penalise us if our driving is out of control. The points system is one of the country's best ever initiatives. It has saved lives. I congratulate the Minister once again.

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