Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I support the calls for a debate on public sector reform, especially Senator Harris's call for structural reform. There is a realisation that this is essential for all of us. It is a shame to see public and private workers arguing with each other on the streets. It is a shame that our society has come to this. The pillars of our society are the health service, the education system, the Civil Service and the justice system. Those on the front line of those services are becoming frustrated because they believe they are not appreciated. They do a good honest day's work and are becoming increasingly frustrated and angry because they see the archaic, multi-layered managerial systems within which they work and within which there is huge waste. It is sad to see this. These pillars are starting to crumble. As a House of Parliament, we are obliged to discuss and debate everything around the issue. In the late 1990s the ESB went from having 14,000 workers to 7,000 by agreement. As a result, it became more efficient and responsive.

I would also like a special debate on the road network and road safety. Local roads are taking a hammering through the lack of Government funding and resources. Local authorities are telling councillors and the people that they do not have the resources to maintain the roads, whether by dealing with a pothole, dyke or drain. That is a sad indictment of the system.

I have often raised the lack of service stations on national primary routes and motorways. Two stations are to be built on the M1 and one on the M4. Others were planned but have been shelved. On the M9, from Dublin to Carlow, approximately 100 miles of motorway will be without any service station or rest stop facility. Articulated truck drivers are obliged to stop for rest periods. Adequate rest stops should be in place on this stretch of motorway as it is a matter of road safety and not just luxury. Will the Leader arrange an urgent debate on this matter? The House would become more relevant if it could bring in the chief executive of the National Roads Authority to answer direct questions from Senators. That would be real accountability and an example of politics working in this country.