Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

On Committee Stage, I had similar amendments tabled and the Minister offered me assurances on some of the issues covered. These included issues such as parking during events in Croke Park, in respect of which the Minister tabled his own amendment. He also guaranteed that one device would cover all tolls and that there would be a move towards barrier-free tolling. I was happy enough with his position on many of the issues and have therefore not moved my amendments.

Will the Minister of State outline the position on traffic control, especially on our national primary routes and motorways? Regarding the serious accidents that occurred yesterday on the N7 and N9, I convey my sympathy to the family of the woman who lost her life and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The crash on the N7 was, without doubt, the biggest in the history of the state. It brings home to us the consequences of careless or excessively fast driving in serious fog or on frosty roads. It forces us to question how we will supervise national primary routes and motorways in the event of such accidents.

There has been much talk on the adjustment of speed limits at a moment's notice and I am sure a system to achieve this would be computerised such that changes could be made at the flick of a switch. The Bill under discussion will increase speed limits from 100 km/h to 120 km/h on certain routes, with which I agree, but we cannot allow a recurrence of disasters such as those on the N7 and N9.

Let us consider the N4, the Kilcock route, which is to be constructed by way of public private partnership. It is to be maintained and run by a private consortium. Could a system be introduced to adjust speed limits downwards during adverse weather conditions? Would control of this system be handed over to those with the maintenance contract or would the Garda be responsible? I presume a balance would be struck between the Garda, the National Roads Authority and the consortium. Urgent action needs to be taken and we need some sort of system that can kick in immediately if poor weather is forecast.

The accident on the N7 was a freak and has never occurred before. I congratulate the emergency services personnel in Naas General Hospital, who responded quickly, and the fire brigade in County Kildare. They all did a great job and I wish them well.

However, there is a need to introduce some form of legislation or ministerial order to resolve this matter. I welcome the Bill and thank the Minister of State for bringing it before the House. I have no doubt the situation will be improved when the Bill is enacted because it covers many outstanding issues. I wish the Minister of State well with the Bill.