John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join other Senators in wishing the Cathaoirleach well in his retirement. I do not doubt he is looking forward to the Munster hurling final. If Limerick can achieve a victory, it would be a great start to his retirement. I am not sure if those present from Waterford would agree with those sentiments. I wish the Cathaoirleach and other Members who are not contesting the election well.

The issue I wish to raise, to which previous speakers referred, came to my attention by virtue of the fact that I am a candidate in the Seanad election and that I have been travelling throughout the country. I refer to road safety. Last weekend was a bad time, with nine people killed on the roads. In previous months, it had seemed that the numbers of accidents and deaths on our roads had decreased significantly. However, it appears that there is a serious and outstanding problem.

Will the Leader encourage the Minister for Transport and the Marine to come to the House at the earliest possible opportunity following the election to discuss this matter? There is an ongoing and significant problem with the number of people who drive while under the influence of drugs. That issue has not been dealt with yet and I ask that the Minister for Transport and the Marine take action in respect of it at the earliest opportunity.