James Bannon (Fine Gael)

However, a small percentage do not use any type of reflective armbands or clothing. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to debate the introduction of legislation making it an offence for pedestrians to use our country roads without proper reflective armbands?

There is a serious situation with regard to accidents involving pedestrians. The poor motorist is blamed for such accidents. Senator O'Toole claimed that approximately €500 million was handed back by the Department of Education and Science last year. A good area to start on such a campaign is in the schools. Free reflective armbands should be given to all our schoolchildren. A former Taoiseach is still remembered for the introduction of free toothbrushes and toothpaste for schoolchildren.