Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I fully support Senators' call for the immediate installation of speed cameras. However, to say the Government is doing nothing is unfair.

Four years ago, there were 575 gardaí working in the dedicated traffic corps. By the end of this year, 1,200 gardaí will be working in the dedicated traffic corps, the full complement required by the Commissioner. We all know of the success of the few speed cameras in place. We all know the speed cameras in Lucan on the N4 and on the N3 coming in from Navan.

Members of the committee travelled to America on two occasions where we observed best practice. People there will say that a dedicated traffic corps is the way to make people fear the law. Manufacturers have a serious obligation because they make vehicles for the comfort and enjoyment of those of us who have the opportunity to drive our own cars. Only €15 need be spent on linking the ignition to seat belt use whereby a car would not start if the occupants did not push in their seat belts. I do not know why that has not been implemented. We saw that demonstrated in the University of Maryland which has the most up-to-date simulators in the world. If those on the committee wish to observe best practice, they should go to the University of Maryland. If time is available, I will arrange for the urgent matter of road safety to be debated and for the Minister to update us on the driving licence issue.

Senator John Hanafin called for a debate on super levies and issues pertaining to same. I will arrange for a debate to take place. Senator Norris called for an update on the invitation to the Dalai Lama. I will come back to the House on that issue tomorrow.

Senator Paul Coghlan asked about the Office of Public Works and progress on decentralisation. Planning permissions are coming through in most areas for the decentralised offices but it is a challenge. I also read the article he read on Sunday and the fact that €82 million is being spent on rents in Dublin and almost €9 million is being spent outside the Dublin area. That is a huge amount of money. I have no difficulty arranging a debate on an action plan from the Office of Public Works to meet the challenges over the next five to ten years.

Senator John Paul Phelan called for a debate on housing and I will arrange for one to take place. The Senator also asked about the economy and public private partnerships. I have already given a commitment to the House and the Senator on such a debate.

Senators Daly and Coghlan raised an issue in regard to the Spanish ambassador. I will investigate the incident as a matter of urgency after the Order of Business to see how I can use my influence. I will not comment further other than to say it was an exception to the rule and that it was certainly not in keeping with the great work done by generations of families around our coast. When the ambassador of a friendly nation wishes to express thanks on behalf of the people of his country, this is an exceptional response.