Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The National Safety Council is a very well respected body and it is worth bearing in mind that last year, the Irish Insurance Federation gave it funding of €1.2 million and gave the same amount in 2001. Last year insurance companies made almost €400 million in profits and I regard the amount of money they gave to the National Safety Council as derisory. Last year the Government gave the council €4 million, at least €1 million of which was towards the metrification of signs.

In regard to the Government's safety strategy, it seems to be poor on delivery but good on promises.