Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I agree with many of the comments regarding the abuse of accident and emergency units by people because access to the units is relatively easy. I also agree with Senator Ryan that we should penalise such people in some way and make them realise that they must be responsible for their behaviour at this time of the year. It is important that such comments be recorded in Seanad Éireann today.

I am concerned about heavy goods vehicles and the way they are driven on our roads. We have all had experiences of being frightened out of our lives by such vehicles. More legislation must be introduced to govern large trucks and the behaviour of their drivers, particularly given that most road accidents involve a heavy goods vehicle and a car, often between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. We must rigorously apply legislation to truck drivers and the manner in which they drive.