Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern. There is a need for a national day to remember victims of road traffic accidents. In 2005 the United Nations designated the third Sunday of November each year as a World Day of Remembrance for Victims of Road Traffic Accidents. It is important that we have a national day of remembrance, as it would allow us to focus on road safety and best driving practice. It is important that we recognise the death and injury caused by road traffic accidents. A national remembrance day could be a focal point for the acknowledgment of the loss and pain of road crash victims and their families. It would allow people to come together and pay tribute to their loved ones and to highlight road safety.

We need also to have a national memorial for those involved in road traffic accidents. Each county has a sign indicating the number of people killed on its roads each year. That is a chilling reminder of the need for all of us to be careful on the roads. Parents and siblings of those who have been killed or injured on our roads would welcome a national day of remembrance.

I acknowledge that this year we had prayers at masses and there was a special ceremony of remembrance at Knock. We have a road safety week in October or November but it is imperative that we have a national day of remembrance, which would have a twin effect. I do not intend to delay the Minister of State unduly. I look forward to his reply in the hope that it will be positive.