Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Much has been said in recent years about the responsibility of motorists in regard to road safety, to which we all subscribe. However, pedestrians also have an important role to play. There is a practice in towns and cities for young people in the main, but also the not so young, to walk across the street in front of oncoming motorists. When a motorist toots the horn at them, he or she is given the Harvey Smith sign. This may be very funny for the people concerned but for the motorist and for general road users it is an outrageous practice and should be dealt with accordingly.

Such an incident took place in my town at the weekend. I was in a taxi and do not know how the driver managed to stop. The individuals concerned turned around and gave him the proverbial sign which I will not demonstrate in the House, but Members know what I mean.