Mary Henry (Independent)

I am sure I am not the only member of the Seanad who wishes to congratulate the Minister for Transport on securing Mr. Gay Byrne as chairman of the new statutory road safety authority. Senator Morrissey will be glad to know that the issue of unaccompanied learner drivers is one of the first he intends to address. I support Senator Morrissey's call for a debate on road safety, which should also address the issue of over-tiredness and people falling asleep at the wheel as a major cause of accidents. I was astonished to find that the civilian drivers of Ministers of State work on a week-on, week-off basis. They drive between 90 and 120 hours per week, which does not seem safe. It is an area I wish to see addressed when the Minister comes to the House.