Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh. I just wanted to clarify that matter.

As a public representative for the mid-west region, I welcome the news from Ryanair and its chief executive and the management at Shannon Airport with regard to an expansion of routes from the Shannon area. It will be for the overall benefit of the mid-west region. I hope that Ryanair will expand further. I compliment the new management structure on its initiative in rapidly attracting new business. It is extremely important for the future of Shannon.

Senator Ryan referred to the statistics produced in a survey on driving and the fact that drivers confirmed they had taken alcohol before driving. We should also note another recent survey which shows that serious fatalities on the roads are happening between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and in many cases involve younger drivers. In 80% of cases alcohol was involved. The Garda needs to pay attention to this area to try to curb such activity. In many cases people feel as no gardaí will be present on the roads between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. they can delay returning home on the basis that they will avoid Garda cars with the result that they may be taking unnecessary chances.