Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

Rather than just encouraging and directing local authorities to have another look at the speed limits, we should closely examine the system.

The enforcement of penalty points is one of the most important tasks the Garda Síochána has to perform. In terms of its effects on Irish people and the benefits to society, few Garda activities have as great an impact on Irish life as penalty points enforcement. The Garda deserves our full support in carrying out this task and if additional resources are required they should be provided.

The Irish motorist has fully accepted the penalty points system. Therefore, it was disheartening to learn the statistics indicate that thousands of motorists caught breaking the rules of the road in Ireland have escaped getting penalty points because they do not hold an Irish driver's licence. As Senator Wilson and others have said, reports indicate that 18,009 of the 128,966 drivers who have received points during the past 18 months hold a driving licence issued outside of the State. The Garda is unable to attach penalty points on these licences. Although fines can be issued, many are never paid as Senator Wilson pointed out. I appeal to the Minister to take the necessary steps to develop a scheme which will put an end to this disregard for the laws of our country.

The Government has always been fully committed to increasing road safety. I am pleased the Minister, Deputy Brennan, is heading a campaign to intensify a number of additional safety initiatives. These will include penalties for careless driving, dangerous overtaking and the use of hand-held mobile phones, all of which are worthwhile. Reform of the provisional licence system and measures to address the unacceptably high level of motor cycle deaths and injuries are also to be tackled. This proactive approach is manifested in the Minister's pledge to publish a new three-year road safety strategy that will set out specific targets for reducing road deaths.

I avail of this opportunity to congratulate the Minister and his ongoing excellent work in this area. I appeal to him to be cognisant of the good proposals that have been made by both sides today. Given that Ireland holds the EU President, perhaps this is an opportunity to look at an EU-wide scheme whereby an Irish person who breaks the law in the UK will get penalty points and vice versa in the other countries.