Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I also welcome the Minister of State. He is very busy and is spending more time here than in the Lower House. He is acting in substitution up for all sorts of Ministers, including the Tánaiste. I compliment Senators and O'Toole on their motion and I compliment Senator Leyden for his initiative in proposing the amendment. I agree with Senators Ross and O'Toole that there is no need for division in the House.

I congratulate Senator O'Toole. It is wonderful that one of our own has been appointed to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to which he will bring a wealth of experience. He has done a wonderful job in other review groups. I fought against the exclusion of politicians from boards because there are many in the Oireachtas with specialist expertise. Senator O'Toole is a case in point. He cuts through the waffle and self-serving antics of the vested interests and cartels that we all want to see disturbed. He mentioned the book of quantum; crude as it might seem, Robert Pierse, the eminent Listowel solicitor, produced such a book a few years back.

The motion is timely and touches on a most pressing need because high insurance costs impinge on many in the workforce. Unfortunately, statistics for injuries and fatalities are appalling, although figures have declined recently. There are many contributory factors – excessive speed, not wearing a seat belt and drink driving, among others. Young drivers are very vulnerable and their insurance costs are huge. Anything that can reduce them should be welcomed.

There is no doubt this is linked to the lifestyle of young males and peer pressure. Dr. Ray Fuller of Trinity College Dublin examined the psychology of the young driver. In his report, Human Factors Related to Speeding, he wrote of a high risk driving style and an overestimation of the ability to drive safely. Young drivers are not good at reading the road for hazards in the distance. Statistics bear out they are more prone to accidents than any other group.