Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brady made an interesting point on following the example of the United States where schools use the curriculum to give people an appreciation of, to use the Minister's words, the privilege of driving, but also the responsibilities, risks and dangers it entails. Extending the areas covered by civics and placing greater emphasis on the subject in the school curriculum could equip students to move into society on leaving school in a manner beneficial to them and society in general. It is interesting in that regard that the Minister for Education and Science is engaged in a debate on the educational system. I hope it will produce some innovative ideas to address some of the issues we have raised.

I agree with the Senators who commended the Minister on the introduction of the penalty points system. At the time of its introduction it was like the smoking ban and many reasons were given to defer it. However, it has turned out to be quite successful. Anybody driving around the country will have detected a noticeable improvement in driver behaviour, especially in complying with the speed limits. That is to be welcomed. However, this speed reduction has resulted in an increase in average driving times. The road network is like an artery through which the lifeblood of the economy flows. Vehicles travelling at 40 miles per hour and hogging the centre of the road are making it difficult for others to pass. This is a hidden cost to the economy. While the speed limit on national primary routes may be 60 miles per hour, transport costs are increased because of the poor infrastructure that exists. This is particularly the case in my own area in the south-east and the matter needs to be addressed.

We have seen a considerable investment made in roads such as the N11 from the Glen of the Downs to Kilmacanogue. Yet there is a 50 mph zone followed by a 40 mph zone on this road. The NRA feels that part of the road is not up to the standard for a dual carriageway. If the investment is being made in the road network to sustain transport for decades to come, why is it done on such a short sighted basis? Millions are spent on improving roads because of the cost benefit analysis yet traffic is then curtailed to 40 mph. This makes no sense. On roads such as the one I mentioned, which have two or sometimes three lane carriageways, the speed limit is ignored. This brings speed limits in general into disrepute. A much more commonsensical approach needs to be taken and I have questioned the NRA on this before.

Traffic bottlenecks in Gorey and New Ross can cause delays of up to 45 minutes at peak traffic times. People who work on busy schedules have to make up the time lost in these bottlenecks. That discourages compliance and has an adverse effect on driver behaviour. A more co-ordinated approach to this must be adopted.

Enforcement is a factor in encouraging people to comply with the laws. I recently travelled from Dublin to Galway and onto Ennis, which is a journey of approximately 160 miles. There was only one speed check, which was on the outskirts of Dublin on a three lane carriageway with a 40 mph speed limit. Why are the gardaí working in areas like this and not on the open road? There could be merit in having local authorities involved in speed detection. There are four electoral areas in my county. If there was one traffic warden devoted full time to speed detection in each area, that would make four, and this could apply countrywide. The Garda Commissioner recently mentioned that 500 gardaí were working in that area. Such an initiative would release gardaí to police other areas such as anti-social behaviour and serious crime. It would give a more focused approach to the operation of the gardaí.

I agree with the Senators who sounded a note of caution on extending the menu of offences into the broad range that was initially indicated. That may detract from the focus on speed and seat belts, which are the main causes of accidents and serious injury.