Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I agree with the previous speakers who spoke of the tragedy in County Donegal at the weekend. The tragedy has caused a sense of numbness in the Inishowen Peninsula. Five young people from Inishowen and one young person from Derry have lost their lives. Inishowen is a close knit community and this has sent shockwaves through the peninsula, but the families and the community in general affected by road death in Donegal feel something must be done. I am in agreement with Senator MacSharry in terms of calling for a debate in this House. Such a debate would be appropriate and timely.

Geographically, Inishowen is inextricably linked to Derry, which is the fourth largest city in Ireland. When Garda resources are deployed to Inishowen account is not taken of the fact that Derry is a neighbouring city. Inishowen receives a great deal of car traffic from Derry and we do not have Garda resources. Our sympathies are with the families who have lost loved ones.