Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I want to make a number of points. While I was doing some research during the course of the day, I discovered that, amazingly, there were 37 or 38 road traffic deaths for two months in 1946. In light of the fact that there were few cars on the road at the time, what we have achieved to date is extraordinary.

My second point relates to driving tests, an issue at which I ask the Minister of State to look. While I do not blame the people involved, I think the driving test is ridiculous. Every time I drive, what annoys me most is the lack of overtaking skills by Irish drivers. I am referring in particular to people who will remain behind a car that is travelling slowly, allow a queue to build up behind them and never overtake. The driving test should include an overtaking manoeuvre. Anyone who cannot overtake should not be on the road. We should also increase the number of driver testers so that everyone will get an opportunity to take the test quickly. I accept that investment will be required, but the process could be self-financing.

The other issue I want to raise is the fact that there is no premium or bonus for people who take the trouble to have safety features in their cars. This is another issue which should be taken into consideration. There is no difference between being hit by a bad or unsafe car and being hit by a good or safe car. We need to examine certain issues relating to driving skills and the driving test.

The measures proposed in Senator Quinn's motion, which I support, need to be enacted. The only other thing that I would like to see in the next year is action being taken in relation to the overtaking manoeuvre. It is ridiculous that one will fail one's driving test if one touches the edge of a footpath during a three point turn. The skills demanded in the driving test should reflect the skills needed in everyday driving.

Learner drivers should be able to gain experience in a safe environment before they take the test but we have not yet managed to make provisions in that regard. I do not know where people are supposed to learn how to drive. Donabate Strand can be a treacherous place on a Sunday morning as it seems to be the only place in Dublin where learner drivers can drive in a safe environment. I suggest that race tracks or car parks be officially designated at certain times as suitable spaces for young drivers to learn driving skills before they go on the road.