Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I continue to hold that view.

The penalty points system cannot be taken in isolation because other Government initiatives have led to safer roads. The low cost accident reduction schemes funded by the Government have been very successful since their introduction some years ago, and I am delighted they are to continue. The signing, lighting and cats' eyes programme announced by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is also playing a major role in road safety.

I welcome the metrication of the speed limit signs. I ask the Minister to give consideration to the provision of additional warning signs in Border areas outlining clearly that the speed limits indicated are metric and not miles per hour. I also ask the Minister to speed up consultation with the authorities in Northern Ireland to allow drivers from that jurisdiction be included in the penalty points system here and drivers here be included in the penalty points system in the North. We all try to adhere to the rules of the road but, unfortunately, people who are resident in Northern Ireland and drive Northern Ireland registered cars often do not adhere to the speed limits and break them wholesale. I am talking about someone driving at 150 or 160 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Those people know that if they are caught they will only receive a fine and, in most cases, they do not pay it. I urge the Minister to speed up consultation with the authorities in Northern Ireland.

I welcome the review of the national car test announced recently by the Minister of State, Deputy Callely. I welcome also the Minister's statement in his contribution that all new HGVs entering into service from 26 January 2007 will be required to meet the revised standards for field of vision etc. There have been a number of fatalities in the town of Castleblayney, in my own constituency. Elderly people have been killed because the drivers of these articulated lorries could not see them as they did not have fullmirror vision.