Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I am not here to defend heavy goods vehicles or the haulage industry, but this country depends on that industry for transporting our exports and raw materials. The heavy goods vehicle industry must be policed correctly and with that I would like to see the regulations on the weight that can be carried by these vehicles, particularly in the building industry, properly enforced. The recent traffic accident on the M50 at Lucan was mentioned and I understand the truck involved had not held a haulage licence since last December.

At times I wonder why more pedestrians are not killed. Pedestrians as well as motorists have a personal responsibility for their safety but how many times do we see pedestrians walk in front of cars? What personal responsibility do they bear?