Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

In a recent reply to a Member in the other House we learned that there will only be 33 extra gardaí involved in the traffic corps in 2005. Thirty three is a far cry from 700. Is this another pie in the sky commitment or aspiration?

Previous speakers have referred to driver testing. It is ludicrous to have people on waiting lists for long periods. As Senator John Paul Phelan said, over 130,000 people are awaiting a driving test. There is a great variation between counties on waiting periods. One can get a driving test after 18 weeks in Ennis while it can take up to 60 weeks in Dungarvan. One has to wait no longer than six weeks to sit a driving test in Northern Ireland. What kind of incompetence allows such a long waiting period here when one can have a test after six weeks in Northern Ireland? It is disgraceful. It also increases the amount of insurance paid by drivers on provisional licences. This loading of provisional drivers is costing young drivers in excess of €50 million. That is a disgrace.

Secondary schools should provide education on driving tests or, at least, the theory of driving. The Government should investigate this matter. Transition year students in particular should be encouraged and supported to complete theory tests and to learn about road safety. It is no good having a road safety officer from the local authority visiting national schools once a year. Secondary students should be taught the rules of the road and the theory of driving. I urge the Government to consider such a step.

I welcome the public awareness programme which has been launched in regard to pedestrians. A total of 43 children have been killed on our roads, which is the highest rate in Europe. This matter must be tackled. We all hope it will be tackled successful.

The incompetence of the Government regarding driver testing, its failure to regulate driving instructors and to provide a proper structure for driver training leads one to question its commitment and its ability to deliver on the commitments that have been referred to in the motion. Theory is one thing but putting things into practice is another. The Government has been very good in the area of theory, press releases, position papers and documents, as mentioned by people even on the other side of the House, but when it comes to practice and actual delivery the Government is found wanting at all times.