Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

If we are to have a debate on road safety, I ask the Leader to consider drawing together the various recommendations, especially in light of the establishment of a road traffic authority. If that authority is like any of the other statutory bodies set up recently, Members of this House may not have any direct input whatsoever because the authority will make its own rules and regulations.

The ESRI published a report on the national development plan which questioned the priorities of the National Roads Authority regarding the development of the road network. It specifically referred to two roads, namely, the one from Mullingar to Athlone and the other going through the spine of the country, through Birr, Roscrea and into Tipperary, which carry enormous volumes of traffic. I have never been able to understand why bringing those roads up to dual carriageway standards was not made a priority. I hope the forthcoming debate will give us an opportunity to discuss that issue.