Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Before I deal with the questions raised, I wish to thank Senators for their interest in the Bill and for dealing with this matter so promptly. I welcome the overall positive and constructive contributions from Senators.

I dealt with the Bill on Committee Stage and Report and Final Stages and I am aware of the clear understanding of the Bill evident from Senators Paddy Burke and Wilson. I thank Senator Paddy Burke for withdrawing his amendments. I acknowledge his input and that of Senator Wilson on the various Stages of the Bill. While we may not have accepted the amendments, we embodied the principle of them, especially in regard to parking around stadia and where events are held, in the Government amendments.

In recent years, Senators have shown great interest in and concern about road issues. I have worked with them in bringing through aspects of the Roads Bill and in the establishment of the National Roads Authority. We are all aware of Ireland's economic development. The quality of citizens' lives is closely connected to disposable income and the money we invest in our national infrastructure such as roads.

In addition, the Bill improves and strengthens the position of the National Roads Authority as it continues to deliver large-scale investment in our national roads and in local roads which come under the responsibility of local authorities. Together with the Minister, Deputy Cullen, I opened a number of roads in the past 12 to 15 months. All of them came in on time and within budget. I believe we will see all of the other projects come in on time and within budget.

Many of the changes made in the Bill are in recognition of the evolution of the role of the main players in the roads building programme since the introduction of the Roads Act in 1993. The Bill also takes account of the changing needs of national roads and the requirement to protect for future generations the record levels of investments on roads.

I wish to be associated with Senator Paddy Burke's remarks on speeding and to sympathise with the family of the woman who lost her life in yesterday's pile up. I also wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured. I extend my sympathy to all families who recently lost those who are near and dear to them. If we compare the fatalities this year with those of last year, the number is much less but that gives little solace to the many families who have lost members who are near and dear to them this year. The various measures we have taken and the legislation we have introduced has contributed in some way to the reduction in fatalities. We tend to forget those who are injured and maimed in accidents. The statistics relate to those who are killed but we know many people have been seriously injured and whose quality of life has changed dramatically overnight.

Senator Paddy Burke made a suggestion on the improvement of electronic warning signs. We would expect to see variable message signs rolled out in the coming year by the National Roads Authority. We all realise we are largely responsible for our own safety. I believe the culture is changing and this can contribute greatly to the reduction in fatalities. Days like yesterday are possibly a dear lesson to those who were badly injured. It is important that drivers would relate their speed to the circumstances of the day. This is not just the case when we have fog but also when there is frost and snow and the roads are treacherous.

I thank the Cathaoirleach and Members of the House for their support, understanding and contributions which have improved aspects of the proposed legislation. Mar fhocal scoir, ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl dos na Seanadóirí agus don Teach as ucht an chomhoibriú ar gach taobh maidir leis an reachtaíocht seo, Bille na mBóithre 2007. Tá mé fíor-buíoch dos na Seanadóirí as ucht an cuidiú agus tacaíocht a thug siad dom.

In reply to Senator Paddy Burke's question on PPPs, that will be a matter for the National Roads Authority. If it is to introduce variable signs, it will have to consult with those responsible for PPPs, especially in Kilcock, to ensure any changes to the roads that have been built directly and indirectly by the NRA, and others, will have to comply with that as well.