Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our roads are not safe. I ask the Tánaiste to please listen. Our footpaths are not safe. You cannot even go on a footpath now because of e-scooters and bicycles. Our loved ones are passing away. These are things that can be prevented. On behaviour, when the Tánaiste and I were children - we are roughly the same age - we could go out our front doors and play a bit of football on the streets. Those days are long gone. There is no respect any more.

We have to get enforcement and sanctions. The Garda plays a big part in that. I have lived in the Dundalk area for the past number of years. I do not know when I was last stopped at a checkpoint. I am lucky enough in that I do not drink, and I pay tax on my car and do not have a problem, but it seems enforcement has completely and utterly stopped. It is totally and utterly wrong. We need action. Children are going out at night-time. We all hope that they come home and there will not be a knock on the door with police coming to say something has happened to them. Prevention is the best cure. A lot of money is being invested at present in the roads, which have improved. However, we need to do something about drugs, speed and drink. The Garda has to play a big part in that. It is up to the Government and the Minister to get it done. I ask the Tánaiste to please help and stop all these young people dying.

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