Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls on both sides for a debate on substance abuse and I look forward to participating in it.

In different capacities in the past, I have clashed with the National Roads Authority on its policy and strategy. I am happy that I won on two issues — central medians and petrol stations. However, the NRA has decided not to proceed with rest areas on motorways, an issue on which I thought I had won.

Last weekend, a vehicle which had pulled into the hard shoulder because of the lack of rest areas was hit by a van and an innocent infant in the vehicle was killed. There are many other instances where people are not driving at their best because there is no safe haven in which to pull over. Will the Leader find out the policy on rest areas, particularly on motorways, from the Department of Transport or the NRA?

Regarding No. 32 on the Order Paper, last night the other House passed a motion on the situation in Zimbabwe and the forthcoming EU-Africa summit in Lisbon. Many other democracies have passed similar motions. No. 32, a motion, will probably not be passed prior to the forthcoming EU-Africa Lisbon summit. Will the Leader consult with Opposition leaders to see if the motion can be passed without debate and then debated at a time when it can be fitted into the schedule?