Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

Before I call on the Minister of State, I want to echo the sentiments expressed by so many people who wish to express sympathy to those who have lost people. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle was quite right in describing the increasing loss of life as a real catastrophe. The Minister of State can see from the strength of the emotions and feelings of people how this subject awakes a strong response in public representatives. Key points were made on the condition of roads, which cannot be extricated from connectivity to the whole climate issue and the dreadful rain we have experienced in recent times.

I want to put several ideas out there for the Minister of State. The State should look at engaging with the insurance companies on insisting on speed suppressors in cars driven by learner drivers and young people. There could be an insurance benefit for the young person in terms of cost. There certainly would be a benefit to road users. Many members have spoken about the use of phones in cars. We all see this every morning. We would also want to think about the cars we are buying nowadays with the dashboards and all of the devices in front of the driver to be fiddled with, touched and pressed. We need to bear in mind that these devices are as dangerous as mobile phones if used while driving, which is when they are intended to be used.

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