Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I want to put my objection on the record. I do not want a precedent established. Here is a good story. Recently I drove someone to a driving test centre in Cork. It was in an isolated area. There was a sign forbidding people from waiting. When a holder of a provisional licence takes a test at this centre he or she must either drive himself or herself, which is illegal, or find a driver who must shelter from the rain under a tree during the test. The situation is not impressive.

This motion surprises me. A significant contribution to constructive debate is not made by congratulating a Government which has served eight years for making promises. I have a number of comments to make on the current situation. Last year I did a calculation on the back of an envelope from which I surmised that if Ireland had similar fatality rates to the best in Europe, approximately 250 fewer people would be killed in road accidents each year. That is a significant figure. It is welcome that the Government is setting targets, which we will monitor.

It is depressing that the reduction has been reversed. I have some views on that subject. The development of a culture of road safety in this country is conditional on a number of issues, one of which is road quality. Many European countries have better road safety standards because their roads are wider and safer and have superior markings and design. Shortcuts cannot be taken in this regard.

HGVs travelling at speeds of up to 70 mph are major hazards on roads which are unfit for cars at lower speeds. I welcome the Government's decision to reduce the maximum permissible speed on all non-national roads. I wish evidence existed that speed limits were enforced with vigour. I have experienced cars with flashing lights overtaking me on these roads because I observed the speed limit. People are used to the former speed limit and their experience has not been sufficient to observe the new law. Many good laws exists in terms of road safety and other areas but enforcement is limited. I agree with those who say that personal responsibility is an important element. However, we must use the law to ensure people behave responsibly. The real deterrent is the likelihood of being caught rather than the ensuing penalty. This likelihood was a major factor in the early effectiveness of the penalty points system. However, as it became apparent that apprehensions were unlikely under this system, fewer cars observed speed limits. This was my experience in the months after the introduction of the penalty points system.

Enforcement involving people and technology is important. I acknowledge the Minister's determination to locate speed cameras where gardaí believe them to be of most use. It is of secondary importance to me whether they are run by the public or private sector. However, I agree with Senator Finucane that the locations frequently chosen by gardaí are regarded by many as not the most suitable. People are most likely to be caught at these locations. A senior garda said that those recorded speeding by these cameras also speed elsewhere. As gardaí rarely have speed cameras on other roads this cannot be proven. It is plausible that they pick soft targets.

I have questions on driver testing. People under 20 have higher pass rates than those above that age and men have higher pass rates than women. This contradicts insurance companies' claims that women and those over 20 are safer drivers. I do not know the significance of this fact. A number of women, including one of my family members, failed because they showed excessive caution. I associate an alarming lack of caution with male drivers under 20. If people fail for this reason I must ask what is being tested.

HGVs are a major concern. According to figures from the National Roads Authority they represent 3% of registered vehicles but are involved in 10% of fatal accidents. Vigorous enforcement of speed, safety and load laws are needed. I am glad the Minister has a plan which I hope will work because too many people die in this country. We seem to take that for granted.