Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I, too, thank the Minister for Transport, Deputy Séamus Brennan, for his address. All Members of the House seem to agree with the report. With regard to the speed limit review, while the Minister has said he has asked local authorities to carry out inspections of all by-laws governing speed limits, it is most important that they now carry out a speed limit review. In the past it has taken them three years from the start of a review to come back to the National Roads Authority for sanction. This is an important area now that penalty points are being added to drivers' licences. It is essential that such a review is carried out this year. I ask the Minister to consider this.

Regarding the revenue raised from the penalty points system, it is great to see the National Roads Authority's low-cost safety measures being extended. This programme contributes greatly to road safety and the money is well spent. With regard to level crossings and the many dangerous spots on our roads which need additional funding, many lives could be saved.

National roads have been mentioned. While Senators on the Government side of the House are very proud of the achievements in the national roads programme, Senator Bannon mentioned the need for more infrastructure. I am glad to see him express his support for the programme. I know that some of the roads in question require tolls to implement the full programme but I am delighted to see the Opposition coming round to our way of thinking on the issue. I wish the Minister well in the implementation of the report.