Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, and compliment the Government and the Minister, Deputy Cullen, on bringing forward these new measures. As one who constantly drives up and down the country I welcome the fact that speed cameras will be put in place. I also welcome the prohibition on the use of mobile phones, particularly by truck drivers. While on the mobile phone they do so many things other than concentrate on the road. I am concerned as to whether the speed cameras will detect those drivers using a mobile phone.

There are a huge number of vehicles on the roads today. Given the new programme of road construction and road design how will it be possible to reduce speeding? I do not know whether the roadside breath testing will work. The Departments of Education and Science and Transport will have to co-ordinate their efforts to bring in initiatives. Most accidents involve young people on the secondary roads. When driving up and down the country there are some side roads where I slow down to approximately 20 mph because I am terrified of what may come around the corner on the other side. I am not watching myself all the time but the other person. Last weekend seven people lost their lives on the roads. I cannot understand the mentality of young people.

There is a need for a programme of education that will take control of responsibility on the road. Schools have a big role to play here. I ask the Minister to enter into dialogue with the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, with a view to bringing forward the best programmes. As soon as 18 year olds leave school they get a banger that will take them to college or whatever. That is the way they live today. Every one of them can find a car, even though it has to be tested. Nevertheless they have freedom. I am concerned also at the number of off-licences appearing all over the place. Young people buy their drinks and get into the car.

I hope the Bill works. Responsibility and respect for the road are the key issues. Rules and regulations and a public relations campaign are important. We are all familiar with billboards reminding us of penalty points. On every couple of miles of road there should be a reminder of all the new measures that have been introduced to ensure people are aware of them when driving. It is great to hear the theory but we have got to get it into practice. I suggest a public relations campaign where billboards across the whole of Ireland will display the new measures. I appreciate that I have been given some leeway for which I thank you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh.