Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Gardaí should not be taking the soft target of catching motorists with speed checks in areas where the speed limits are incorrect. I have raised this with the Garda inspectorate, which agrees. Such actions by gardaí bring the system into disrepute.

Billions of euro have been invested in upgrading our road network to international standards. Much good work, which I commend, has been done in many areas but, unfortunately, the speed limits are still artificially low. For example, the N11, a high quality dual carriageway which is up to motorway standard, has a speed limit of 100 km/h. When it is quite safe to drive at 120 km/h on this road one will find gardaí operating speed checks on it. The economy is not getting the benefit of the investment made in the road network. Competitiveness is a major issue for the economy. We are not taking action in this one area where we could and should. Will the Leader invite the relevant Minister to debate this issue in the House?

I want to raise a minor issue concerning the recent local elections but an important one for those concerned. Anyone who canvassed in urban areas recently would have been astounded at the disenfranchisement of many people living and working in towns. Many cannot vote in their town council elections simply because the town's electoral boundaries were set when the town was much smaller. There is a need to address this issue. It gives rise to much frustration and annoyance among those who do not have a right to vote for the council that most affects them and in which they are most interested. Will the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government attend the House to debate this issue?