Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

On the Order of Business last week, Senator Quinn called for a debate on road safety, particularly as we approach the Christmas holiday period. Last Sunday, there was an horrific crash on the M50 which was caused because the National Roads Authority decided not to install crash barriers on the median of that motorway. We need to debate this matter.

To whom is the NRA accountable? In 2001, the Government told the NRA to install crash barriers. Members of Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council have repeatedly tabled motions calling for the installation of such barriers. In 2003, a jury at an inquest into the deaths of three young children stated that no motorway in Ireland should open to traffic in the future until suitable crash barriers are in place. Why is it that this unelected, unaccountable quango can refuse to follow the policy directives of politicians, locally and nationally, and think it can get away with it? Lives are being lost on our roads, particularly during this period. I understand the schedule is tight between now and the Christmas recess but I ask the Leader, if possible, to take up Senator Quinn's suggestion of having a debate on this issue before the recess. Such a debate would provide the NRA with a clear view from this House concerning the policy directives of politicians.