Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

PARC, Public Against Road Carnage, is an organisation that was set by Susan Gray, a young woman from Donegal who tragically lost her husband. The organisation has gathered 20,000 signatures on a petition seeking mandatory drink and drug testing where the Garda is called to the scene of an accident. When this matter was raised with the new Minister for Transport in the Dáil last week, he stated, "I do not propose to alter the position". In other words, absolute discretion regarding such testing will be left to the Garda. However, in a letter to the organisation, the Taoiseach stated, "Taking account of the concerns raised by PARC and other groups, Fianna Fáil recognise the need to introduce compulsory drink and drug testing for drivers involved in accidents causing injury and, if re-elected, we will ensure that these changes are implemented without delay". We need that commitment honoured.

I am at a loss to know why, following the negotiations on the new EU treaty, the Taoiseach last week cast doubt on Ireland's commitment to the Charter of Fundamental Rights. A new treaty is needed and we should not be on Britain's coat tails regarding doubts about the charter. Ireland needs to sign up to the treaty.