Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Already this year, 353 people have been killed on Irish roads. The issue of road safety has been much discussed in this House on the Order of Business. Yesterday, the Taoiseach announced the Government is still considering random breath testing. Six years ago in the road safety programme random breath testing was mentioned by the Taoiseach, as was increasing the number of speed cameras. The Government has failed miserably in both areas.

It is time to take this matter seriously. We all will be aware of the concern about alcohol and drink driving coming up to Christmas. Where gardaí are placed at various points, they are often prevented from taking action unless suspicious that a person is under the influence of drink. I would ask for action to be taken on this issue. If it requires a constitutional amendment, the Government should get on with proposing it. Let us not wait a long time to implement this proposal.

I support what my colleague, Senator Brian Hayes, stated on yesterday's judgment which has important implications nationally. It has important implications for the Limerick area. The Garda was correctly praised for the way it has taken on the drugs trade in Limerick.

A person was jailed recently for murdering Mr. Brian Fitzgerald for taking on a drugs gang in the night club in which he was involved. He is prepared to participate in the witness protection programme. In that context, he is prepared to reveal who was involved in this situation. In order to get to grips with crime, the witness protection programme is extremely important. Yesterday's decision has wide-ranging implications.