Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I agree with what Senator O'Toole said about the new penalty point offences introduced. There are two major omissions in the 31 offences listed, one being the use of mobile phones. A Bill covering this issue passed Second Stage in the Dáil but I got the impression that the Minister responsible will drag his heels on progressing it. That Bill should be brought forward to Committee and Remaining Stages and brought to this House. The Leader might indicate if there is a timescale as to when the Bill will be enacted.

We hear about drink driving all the time and yet we have a massive drug problem. Some motorists drive vehicles having taken class A drugs as well as, in some cases, medication in the form of anti-depressants but nothing is being done to address that problem. It was discovered that a motorcyclist who killed a lady in a recent tragedy was more high on drugs than on alcohol. Motorists who drive having taken drugs are a major problem on our roads. It is time we tackled that problem in the same way as we tackled drink driving in the past.

I am concerned that the penalty points system is turning into a revenue generating exercise rather than a preventative and road safety exercise, which it was originally intended to be.

I agree with Senator Terry's point in welcoming the Taoiseach's opening of the new offices for the gay and lesbian equality network, GLEN, recently. I call for a debate on housing particularly for single people. The lack of such housing also affects gays and lesbians who are clearly being discriminated against. It is nearly impossible for single or separated people, or gays and lesbians, to get local authority housing. As houses are currently allocated, they tend to go to families or women with children. We must initiate a housing scheme in every county and local authority for single people, be they homosexual or heterosexual.