Feargal Quinn (Independent)

On occasions in the past, Senator Ross has spoken about the need for this House and the Lower House to debate social partnership before such decisions are made. The example that Senator Morrissey has provided shows exactly what we should be doing. If the solution to coping with the large number of people who are not able to sit driving tests is outsourcing but it was determined not to go through with it at the negotiations on Sustaining Progress, that situation would benefit from a debate both here and in the Lower House. That is one area which concerns road safety.

The selection of the new chairman of the road safety authority was an inspired choice. The new chairman has said he will be the first to step aside if he does not get the required Government action. That is not unlike what happened with the chairman of the National Safety Council who criticised the lack of action that was taking place at Government level. His contract was not renewed or perhaps the council does not exist any more for that reason. The threat by the new chairman of the RSA will create an impetus for the Government to take the necessary action.

The question of cocaine was also raised. I am told that while it is illegal to sell cocaine in a public house, I doubt if it is illegal to snort — I think that is the correct word — cocaine. Therefore, many public houses and other places, including well established restaurants and hotels, are being used for the consumption of cocaine. I gather there is a doubt over whether such behaviour is illegal. It is illegal to sell it but not necessarily for premises to be used for that purpose. That may be one of the reasons we are having gangland shootings and killings, such as occurred last weekend.