Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I ask that the Minister with responsibility for energy come into the House to debate possible energy alternatives to oil. We realise how vulnerable is the world economy when problems occur in Saudi Arabia and oil prices increase. I am particularly mindful of people involved in the transport sector who have been hard hit of late. Such price increases coupled with the changes in the benefit-in-kind provisions in the last budget will force many of them out of business. Further increases are predicted in petrol and diesel prices.

I welcome the report, as outlined by Senator Tuffy, on drug-taking and driving. Its findings help to explain why there are many road traffic fatalities at weekends involving young males who have not been drinking. In that context, there could well be a link between drug-taking and driving. We should explore this matter. I am aware the EU is collating data from all EU member states on this matter this month and that some member states are engaged in positive work in this area. We should invite the Minister for Transport to the House to debate this matter.

Regarding the exchange between Senator Brian Hayes and Senator White——