Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

In light of the fact that there appear to have been positive developments in respect of pharmacists and that changes relating to the leaving certificate were announced earlier this week, will the Leader indicate the position regarding a matter to which I referred previously, namely, the animal welfare Bill? Would it be possible to arrange a debate on what will be the content of that legislation in order that we might deal with it before it becomes a fait accompli.

I echo the sympathetic and empathic comments already made in respect of those who were involved in recent fatal road accidents. We already had a debate on the overall position regarding road safety. Would it be possible for the Leader to discover whether it is a matter for a Minister or the National Roads Authority to examine whether it would be possible for fluorescent strips or cats eyes to be placed on the cement bases of all traffic islands? When I raised this issue at council level, I was informed that it was the responsibility of the NRA, and when I raised it with the latter, those with whom I spoke indicated their belief that it was not proper to the authority.

Will the Leader indicate whether this matter is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or whether it is a devolved function of the NRA? Many of the roads affected would not fall under the remit of the NRA. Everyone who travels by car is aware that on many traffic islands, the lights either do not work or are dirty. The part of these islands that one cannot see is the large cement base. The inclusion of fluorescent strips at the bottom of these structures might help reduce the number of accidents. I do not refer in this regard to the most recent accidents that have occurred but to those what might happen in the future.