Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I support and second Senator O'Toole's departure from standard political correctness this morning to say that we should not introduce the lowering of alcohol levels without the empirical evidence to support it. Will the Leader request the Minister to bring the supporting data before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Should the data produce the compelling evidence that a reduction in the limits would make a material difference to the saving of lives, that is a fair reason to introduce the change, but we need to see the data and evidence. The circumstantial evidence of which we are aware is that speeding is an issue, especially by young people late at night who often have consumed large amounts of alcohol.

I also support Senator Kelly on the rural transport scheme. Both issues contribute to the significant problem of isolation, particularly in rural Ireland. People are prisoners in their own homes. The social fabric of society has changed to the detriment of a specific section of the population who now have no social outlet. This issue needs to be debated in this House. We should consider asking CIE to introduce feeder buses to main routes in rural areas. For example, feeder buses should operate from catchment areas to the main bus routes such as the N2 or N3 at least twice a day to improve quality of life in rural areas.

This week a compelling case was made by Mr. Begg in the context of the debate on inflation for the necessity of curbing executive salaries, including political and ministerial salaries. We cannot and must not on moral, ethical or practical grounds approach low-paid workers and ask them for wage restraint while we have uncontrolled salary inflation in other sectors. The issue must be addressed. This House has particular responsibility in that sphere and it is imperative we call for wage restraint at the top echelons of society. I also join others in the request to the Leader to provide a specific date for a debate on the World Trade Organisation.