John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senator Ross stated that road safety is not a matter for political approval. The Minister will not be involved in approving road safety issues.

Members of the Joint Committee on European Affairs visited Tallinn in Estonia recently. If one has an accident in Estonia and has alcohol in one's system, one is presumed to be culpable. That is the way it should be.

The State can improve signs in Ireland. Directional signs have improved but, as representatives from Waterford will agree, one sees signs placed beyond the junction on the N7. How do engineers manage to do this? The driver is past the junction when he or she sees the sign. In that case, he or she stops and reverses on the motorway, which is a lethal manoeuvre. Members of local authorities frequently make the same point.

Roadworks signs are erected but not removed after roadworks have been completed. As a result, drivers do not slow down when they see these signs because they are used to passing them when work is no longer taking place. Oil spillage signs are erected throughout the country yet I have only seen an oil spillage on one occasion. The people responsible for discredited signs should get their act together, a matter that is within the remit of the State.

Differing speed limits are in effect in wet and dry conditions in France. Speed limits here are discredited. A dual carriageway leading to Newbridge was the national primary route but since the motorway was built it has become a national secondary route and a speed limit of 80 km/h applies. Roads where the speed limit should be no higher than 80 km/h have limits of 100 km/h. Although a national system is understandable, some flexibility must be allowed.

We have discussed the contributory factors to accidents. We must be far more rigorous on the standard of driving required. Over the years we have been casual but there are now far more people driving powerful cars that can travel at high speed. Reference has been made to vehicle quality and we are not as rigorous as we should be with regard to the capacity of the vehicle to stop within a certain limit.

I have noticed a proliferation of cars with "for sale" signs on the side of the road. It is no longer politically correct to use the term "non-national" but people coming into the country buy such cars and do not demand any documents. They are driving in uninsured and untaxed vehicles. This trend, which seems to be increasing, must be examined.

People must take responsibility because the State cannot be a nanny state. If one is afraid of being caught, one will slow down. Over the past fortnight cars seem to have slowed down, particularly on the motorway at Portlaoise. Fewer cars overtake when one is travelling at 120 km/h. This is due to the increased visibility of the Garda Síochána and the fear of being caught.

Traffic calming is a major deterrent and should be examined in urban areas. One will not travel over speed ramps because of the consequences for one's car. Much has been done, particularly in Dublin city, but more must be done in rural towns, particularly around schools. I understand why it cannot happen on national primary routes where heavy volumes of traffic use the road. I wish Mr. Byrne and the authority well. I hope it will have a positive effect. I know the authority will be vocal and will have no difficulty telling the Minister where to get off, if this proves necessary.