Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have seen far too many tragedies on Irish roads in recent months. There is not a household in the country that has not been impacted in terms of at least knowing somebody who has lost their life or who has been subjected to horrific injuries as a result of a road traffic accident. I have seen far too many of them in my community.

I assure the Deputy that any policy that helps reduce the risk and leads to reduced accidents and fewer fatalities on our roads is one I will support. The system of taxation we employ for vehicles can play a role. Some of the issues raised by the Deputy are relevant to other Departments that lead on policy on this area, in particular the Department of Transport. The Minister for Transport and the Minister of State at the Department are examining what more can be done to reduce the accidents.

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