Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister to the House. I start on a positive note because while road safety is a political and policy issue, it is not a party political one. The penalty points structure started under the previous Administration and a genuine effort was made under previous Governments to ensure road safety received the priority it needed to reach the relatively good position we are in. My colleague, Senator Pat O'Neill, outlined in detail what has been achieved. I commend the Minister on following on strongly and diligently bringing forward a series of measures, including this necessary Bill. As a result of a report, consultants were hired by the Road Safety Authority and made certain recommendations. Too often, we have seen consultants hired at great expense and recommendations made in our political system. Often, the recommendations are not implemented but, in this case, it is being done.

I acknowledge that much of this is as a result of guidelines from Europe. We need a greater pan-European approach to road safety. We must ensure that what is good in Ireland also applies abroad. When people come from abroad, the set of standards implemented here and respected by road users must also be respected by those who visit. Visitors to a country must abide by the country's rules and when we go abroad, as good citizens we abide by the rules, as described by Senator Brennan with regard to stop signs in the USA.

When it comes to road safety, one can never over-regulate. The commercial roadworthiness system proposed in this Bill is appropriate. The streamlining of services under the auspices of the Road Safety Authority is appropriate and will save money. It abides by the terms of the Croke Park agreement, where redeployment is required. It is proper and appropriate that the licensing systems come under one body, as opposed to a myriad of councils and local authorities. We must introduce the necessary regulations to ensure our roads are the safest in the world, not just in Europe. This legislation is a step in the right direction but many more must be taken as the Minister identifies other high-risk areas. In the lifetime of this Government and subsequent Governments, the Minister will come to the House with proposals to make our roads safer. If legislation saves one life, it has done a good job.

It is noticeable in recent months that automated speed cameras, located where there are no Garda personnel, have an effect. I can see it in County Clare, where speeding has evaporated in certain areas. People are consciously slowing down because they know cameras are more likely to be there. Prevention is better than cure and the more speed cameras rolled out in dangerous areas, the better. This move must be welcomed.

Streamlining licences is correct and should be done under the auspices of the Road Safety Authority because that means everything is being done to ensure our citizens are safe on the road. I agree with previous speakers who pointed out that every citizen has responsibility for road safety, including pedestrians. When it comes to road safety, everyone with a brain has responsibility. We should have compulsory road safety education in secondary schools and compulsory driving lessons as part of the transition year curriculum. This may be happening already but, if not, it should happen. The necessary structures should be put in place to ensure it happens. Interdepartmental groups should be set up between the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. Each driving lesson will have an effect on every teenager. We need to change the culture among young people and the best way is through the schools.

Many worthwhile suggestions are out there and the Minister has access to the expertise in his Department and in the Road Safety Authority to decide which suggestions are realistic and will achieve results. That is why he is the Minister and makes recommendations to us. I commend the Bill to the House as part of a myriad of effects. Each element is as important as the next to ensure cultural and behavioural changes and, ultimately, to save lives.