Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last Thursday a six year old boy, Jake Brennan, was killed by a car near where he lived in Kilkenny. One does not want to draw any imputation from that incident, but it brings up the wider issue of the safety of children in residential neighbourhoods. I briefly met the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, in whose constituency the dreadful event happened. He believes we need to look at planning law, but, even on existing residential roads, could we not have traffic calming measures and impose restrictions on vehicles in order that children are able to play on those streets? In extending sympathy to Jake Brennan's mother, father, brother and sister, perhaps the House might like to address how we can make residential roads safer for such six year old children. I note Senator Ivana Bacik's concern about another six year old. The House owes a duty to young citizens.

I am concerned that the vital post of Secretary General at the Department of Finance is to be filled without open competition. According to The Irish Times: "This reflects concern within the Government that a newcomer would not have enough time to learn the brief while preparations intensify over the summer for the October budget."