Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the opportunity to say a few concluding words and to thank all the Senators who contributed. I do not want to focus on the issue which was of grave concern to them. I know that all who spoke on the matter did so with the utmost sincerity. The principle many of them enunciated in the House is one which we must look at in the future. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, and myself worked closely together and I support the Minister in his view that it was essential to have this legislation enacted as quickly as possible because it gives a legal base to the road safety authority. This legislation gives a legal basis to the road safety authority. The chairman, chief executive, staff and board will play a major role in the compilation and provision of a new strategy, which will be approved by the Minister. We are anxious to reduce the number of deaths on our roads. In the meantime, there is an interim board and we want to ensure it is appointed on a permanent basis.

I concur with many of the views expressed by the Senators I mentioned earlier in the debate. It is not a question of not wanting local authority members to be involved. There is provision in section 7 to involve local authority members. Ironically, if local authority members were included, it need not necessarily follow that they would be on the board. However, they are prescribed in section 7(6) as one of the State agencies to be involved. I am also sure they will serve in the sub-committees and have a direct input into the board. The experience mentioned by various Senators on both sides of the House will be of invaluable assistance to the board.

Tá mé iontach buíoch den Teach, den Chathaoirleach, agus de na Seanadóirí ó achan taobh a labhair anseo. Bhí suim ar leith acu sa cheist seo, agus thig leis na Seanadóirí bheith cinnte de go mbeidh páirt ag na comhairleoirí contae éagsúla tríd an tír. Tá an-taithí acu le fada an lá, agus beidh siad ábalta an taithí sin a thabhairt chuig na coistí a bheidh á mbunú ag an Údarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre; ní chaillfear í.