Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Last weekend, we had the horror of the number of road deaths increasing. The real challenge to us is that we know the solution to part of this, which was recorded on the radio and in newspapers this morning. In the area around Newry, north of the Border, the amount of speeding has dropped dramatically since the erection of cameras. In the past, Senator Brian Hayes identified that cars coming from the North know once they cross the Border they can speed because it is unlikely penalty points will be applied because we do not have a united jurisdiction in this regard.

We know speed cameras will force, delay and hold people's speed down. We can see the solution and in the past we argued the answer is to erect modern speed cameras which do not require paperwork. It needs the determination of the Minister and the Government to tackle road deaths due to speeding. I urge the Government to act on this now. It is not a matter to be put on the long finger because the answer is in front of us and we know what to do.

I am greatly concerned about the fact that the other day The Irish Times reported British Government officials claimed 55% of the Irish-registered vehicles they checked are not safe. Coaches and buses are in breach of safety regulations in Britain. The figure is horrific and if it is the case, what about speed checks here? We have a national car testing regime and believe this should not happen. However, if the British Government is able to state it has a problem with Irish vehicles, particularly buses and coaches, the challenge applies here. We must act on this and cannot allow it. Otherwise, we must blame ourselves for the continuing road deaths.