Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

This year's death toll stands at approximately 290 people while two years ago it was 400. Please God, there will be an excess of 80 lives saved this year.

Regarding the Government's announcements on road safety last week, I was disappointed the proposal regarding the use of black boxes, made by the former Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business, which I chaired, was not considered. If it were considered, why has it not been acted upon? I will seek a debate with the Minister on road safety in which I will make strong play for the insertion of black boxes in the 53,000 vehicles under the Government's stewardship. The committee was in unison on this proposal. We have a duty to ensure school buses, taxis and other vehicles that come under Government licence have a black box. The costs of €200 per box can be wavered in the forthcoming budget as an expense.

Senators Norris, McCarthy, Hannigan and Bacik proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, as is the right of any Senator. Senators Hannigan, White, McFadden, McCarthy, Keaveney, Buttimer and Bacik called for a debate on the standards in crèches. Much good work has happened with the setting up of many crèches. At the outset a grant of €50,000 was available which has been increased to €100,000. While much has been achieved in this area, there is room for improvement. I have no difficulty in asking the Minister to come before the House on such an issue.

Senator McFadden called for the Minister to clarify when CCTV will be installed in Athlone and Mullingar. As the Senator knows, I played a major role when a Deputy to have this decision brought to where it is. I will assist, along with Senator McFadden and my counterparts in the Dáil, to see this happen at the earliest time possible.