Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, to the House. Having listened to the debate over the last hour, it seems many of the points I had intended to make have been already made. We are here to talk about how we can reduce the number of road deaths. That is the fundamental reason for the reform and updating of road traffic legislation. The idea that one road death is one too many has been echoed throughout this debate. I often reflect on the consequences of each road death for the family, extended family and community of the person in question. I would like to get that message across, but how can that be done?

The public welcomes the legislation in respect of those holding second provisional licences. If such drivers do not pass the test, then so be it; they should be able to pass the test at the second attempt. I am delighted the Minister has given a lead-in period to allow all those on second provisional licences to prepare for the test in the next six months.

We must question the reasons so many young people are involved in road accidents. We should examine the causes rather than the symptoms of the problem and these point to a larger societal issue. Something is radically wrong when young people are having accidents between 2 and 4 in the middle of the night. This points to a lack of responsibility in society at large.

While legislation is very important, it is not enough. We had legislation which did not work and accidents were not prevented. I question whether people are aware of the legislation or whether they are interested in it. An awareness campaign is required. Other speakers referred to the television advertisements which in my view are very frightening. I cannot look at them, in particular the advertisement showing the young girl sitting on the wall with her boyfriend. Such advertisements are necessary even though I cannot watch them.

Young people need the support of their parents and their communities. There is a role for educationalists. Young people of 16 and 17 should be prepared at second level and taught how to be responsible when on the roads. Most young people will aspire to driving a car by 18 or 19 years of age. Parents must take responsibility and should know the rules of the road. I suggest joined-up thinking between the Minister for Transport, the Minister for Education and Science and the local authorities to produce an educational module which would teach young people to be responsible for people other than themselves.

Society will have to change. The Celtic tiger is roaring and we have more money than we need but we do not have a quality of life. There is a macho attitude of owning a car, having money and being free to drink and take drugs and no legislation will change such an attitude except by the introduction of colossal penalties. There needs to be a change of attitude within families and within communities to get the message across to young people.

When I drive I take responsibility for other road users such as those coming around the corner. I have travelled the roads of Ireland over the past six months and I have had near accidents high up and low down on secondary roads. I have seen people driving while using a mobile phone or talking to a passenger or attending to a child with one hand and the other hand on the steering wheel. No legislation will put this attitude right. Public representatives have a duty to speak to community and residents associations and at public meetings. We must ask the public to help us because we can introduce or reform legislation but we need their help. Community spirit and co-operation is required to change attitudes. Otherwise we will see a continuation of people breaking the rules by not wearing seat belts and by drink and drug driving.