Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

Like Senator de Búrca, I call for an urgent debate on the tragedies which took place on our roads at the weekend. In making my contribution, I wish to extend my sympathies to those families who were grieving during what was a holiday period for many of us. This subject is so important that the Fine Gael group wishes to table an amendment to the Order of Business to discuss the magnitude of what happened at the weekend, which deserves clear and forensic debate. Many things take place on our roads and drivers and pedestrians do many things for which Government and politicians cannot take responsibility. However, Government should take responsibility for its priorities, plans and strategies, implement them and be held accountable for them.

At the beginning of this Seanad session, we had a debate on the road safety strategy and the Road Safety Authority and clear priorities were outlined. Sadly, mounting evidence exists that a number of these priorities are not being delivered. It is incumbent on us to review where we stand, to examine what is working and not working and hold to account the Road Safety Authority, the Department of Transport and the Government.

Two important points must be stressed. That the chairman of the Road Safety Authority again pointed out the continued non-implementation of the speed camera strategy is of major concern. We know the role speed cameras can play in tackling these issues and to have the chairman again stating the strategy is not being implemented must be discussed in the House. We must hear an answer from the people responsible for this, namely, the Government.

The second point is that a lack of alignment and agreement between Departments could be getting in the way of implementing a road safety strategy which everybody wants to see implemented. This merits urgent debate and an urgent response from the Government.

We will table an amendment to the Order of Business in recognition of what happened at the weekend. Will the Government update us on what it is doing to implement its strategy?