David Norris (Independent)

Yes, we do. I would like to get back to more serious matters, for the issue raised by Senator Ulick Burke is very serious. I would like to join in what I understand to be his call for a major debate on transport and traffic. However, it is unrealistic to expect this before the autumn. We should plan now to have a major debate in this House then.

The problem is not simply a failure of Government, for that is too easy. There is a responsibility on the part of drivers. The reason people are being killed is that there is too much careless driving. We can assist. It has been said in this House that we must have consistency in speed limits. People will regard them with contempt if, as happens on one of the main motorways into Dublin city, one drops within a matter of seconds from a limit of 70 kph to 50 kph on precisely the same road. We must have a little coherence. I know there are difficulties and that it might need legislation. Perhaps we should examine having an overall regulatory authority to avoid having to deal with a whole scatter of county councils. One needs consistency and coherence if one is to get people to respect such matters.

We must also examine the situation in Dublin. The infrastructure is being used as a method of attacking citizens. We closed O'Connell Street to all traffic except pubic transport. Now we have one lane in Gardiner Street into Dublin city from the north side, which is absolutely idiotic. Can we have the Minister attend in the autumn to explain the facts about the metro and the Luas, including the incompatibility of the lines and gauges and the fact that they now appear to be demolishing the ramp at Amiens Street Station at a cost estimated as being between €30 million and €60 million? For what? It is all absolute nonsense.