Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I, too, support Senator O'Toole in his call for the Government to engage with the fishermen. Fisheries is a traditional industry that has served this country very well. However, fishermen feel very neglected by the manner in which they have been dealt with by Europe. This is, perhaps, a downside for Europe, and I hate saying this, but it provides material for debate on both the "Yes" and "No" sides on the Lisbon treaty. They feel isolated and neglected and I call on the Government to engage with them at this difficult time because their basic incomes are under threat and they need support.

Many Senators spoke yesterday about road safety and there was some debate on the issue. I support those Senators who are calling for the Minister for Transport to come before the Seanad so that we may have a detailed discussion on road safety. Road safety depends on three factors, one of which is the conditions of drivers. All drivers must have a certain amount of responsibility. A number of issues arise, including drink and drugs and people driving under the influence of those substances; the issue of speed, which was discussed yesterday, and the roll out of speed cameras around the country; and the issue of road fatigue.

One of the first subjects I addressed on the Order of Business in this House was fatigue on the roads and the lack of rest service stations on national primary routes for road hauliers and regular road users. It is very dangerous practice to expect people to drive long routes without any facilities for rest. I again ask the Leader to intervene with the Minister for Transport and call on him to address the Seanad on this issue. The condition of our roads might also be addressed. I congratulate the Government on the new bypass at Carlow. It is a marvellous piece of infrastructure and is certainly very welcome for drivers approaching Dublin from the south-east. However, the state of the local and regional roads leaves a great deal to be desired. There are many dangerous bends and junctions that cause serious accidents and deaths on a daily basis throughout the country. I ask the Leader to persuade the Minister to address the Seanad on how he proposes to invest in these roads. Any time representations are made to local authorities, the immediate response is that they do not have the resources to deal with these roads. Many of them are roads inherited over many generations, but they are not adequate for the traffic levels and vehicles on them today. If we are serious about reducing road deaths and carnage these are the issues we must address.

Signage, one of the basic requirements of any good road system, is abysmal in this country. As we approach the main season for tourism, we can see the total deficits and lack of adequate caution, hazardous and even directional signage everywhere, It is a debate that is urgently needed in this House.