Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

So far this year, 100 people have died on the roads, 20 more than last year. That shows the penalty points system has failed miserably. It is time the Government led by example. We have heard about a dedicated Garda traffic corps being set up. The Taoiseach has said that it will go ahead, but the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, has said it will not. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, does not know what is to happen. It is time we achieved clarity on the issue. We need a dedicated traffic corps, not just for the weekend, as Senator Kitt said, but all the time. It is appalling that a quarter of fatalities involved pedestrians. It is time we brought in laws in this House to force pedestrians to wear bright, reflective clothing on roads. That would help cut down fatalities. There is an onus on pedestrians to wear bright clothes and we can play a role in that.

Recently I have heard rumours about the introduction of a zero alcohol limit for drivers. I would be completely opposed, since it would be the death knell for rural communities. While I accept that alcohol is a factor in some fatalities, it would be an absolutely knee-jerk reaction. I have previously raised in the House the incidence of drugs being found in the bodies of people involved in fatalities. We must accept that drug-driving is also a significant issue. Drugs also impair people's vision. We should examine that area too.

I agree with Senator Ulick Burke aboutprimary teachers. There is a wider issue, and the lack of promotional prospects for teachers is reflected in the lack of male teachers applying for positions. We all accept that teachers have a very good starting salary, but that remains on a plateau for a long time. It is important we acknowledge that women teachers do great work in sport. However, it is important that men have a substantial role in teaching too. As a teacher, I was amazed when parents came in to see me. Their children might have a male teacher for the first time ever in fifth or sixth class and be very apprehensive. After a few weeks, they would accept it. It is appalling that children get as far as fifth or sixth class without ever having a male teacher.

In the new term, perhaps we might have a debate on the tribunals again. People have certainly been bemused lately that we currently have a prisoner and a former prisoner asking questions at tribunals and masquerading as senior counsel when they are barely out of jail themselves or are currently in jail. That is farcical, and we should examine the whole purpose of tribunals. I also raised the issue of senior counsel quizzing people about donations when it emerges that the same people are earning five times that amount per day.