Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I again second Senator Barrett's amendment. I am amazed at how fast technology has developed. Recently I described to one of my children that when I learned to drive one had to put a little arm out of the window in order to turn left or right and there was no flashing light. I am speaking of an era before the Minister's time so he would not know about such things. It made me feel very old when I realised that so many people do not remember such a time. When I spoke to my child we talked about how great an advance it was to have a flashing light to indicate which way one wanted to travel. Indicators, in retrospect, were a minor technological development but what a good job they did and the technology greatly improved safety.

The most important point made by Senator Barrett was that the investment is likely to be accepted by insurance companies as an incentive. If they can manage to encourage various developments in safety technology then it will pay them, the car owner and the manufacturer to install such technology. The provision is worthwhile, will save lives and also has the ability to improve the situation, with encouragement by the Minister and the State. We could set an example and be one of the safest places in the world to drive if we take such steps.