Dáil debates

Thursday, 22 October 2015

Topical Issue Debate

Road Traffic Offences

5:25 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Most incidents on the road are avoidable, so they are not accidents. It is a cultural issue that goes way beyond transport, law or the Department of Justice and Equality. It stretches into education and awareness of the problem. Most people try the lottery every now and again because they believe they can win. They see the ads that say, "It could be you." They roll the dice and try, but they never consider the negatives. Most people assume they will never be in road traffic incidents, yet the chances of it are much higher than of them winning the lottery. There is something wrong with people's mindsets. It is in all of us. We have an attitudinal issue towards road safety. This is an issue that must be driven by every Department. I am in the Department of Education and Skills which has a major role to play in this regard.

Incidents and accidents can happen to anyone. It is in everyone's gift to prevent them on our roads. Legislation is a part of that work. I will bring the Deputy's questions that I could not answer to the relevant Ministers and reply to him with detailed answers.

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