Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Although it is not relevant to this Bill, I envy the Minister of State the magnificent road which goes through his constituency from Sligo. I wish a similar road would materialise some day between Tipperary and Carrick-on-Suir. I welcome the Bill, despite the fact that I will be adversely affected by it. It will provide a 16% increase in own resources for local government. Better funded local government, where there is a degree of independence in its funding, is important.

I am surprised to hear the Labour Party acting as the party of the angry motorist. Its view, if I correctly understand its finance spokesman, has been that tax levels in general are too low. If one is seeking a progressive tax system, there is nothing unprogressive about motor taxation. In general, the poorest sections of the community do not drive cars. In abstracto, to be competitive with other countries we should be in a position to reduce various forms of taxation, including motor taxes. At present, however, given the big increase in the number of cars, the high degree of congestion and with the Kyoto Protocol hanging over us, it is difficult to make the argument for reducing taxes in that regard.

The upkeep of non-national roads is an issue. Part of a road near my home was re-tarred last year and is already showing signs of fraying. The Department should use some type of quality control to ensure that when work is done on a road, most of it will not be eroded within less than 12 months. Otherwise such work is almost tokenism. Cats' eyes have greatly improved safety on twisting roads in some parts of the country. The local authority in County Tipperary has a good programme in this area.

All Senators will be well aware of the deficiencies in the signposting system after trying to find different councillors during the recent election campaign. I support the review of speed limits suggested by Senator Brennan. I hope we will change the system to kilometres and adjust speed limits, both up and down according to the road.