Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for having the patience to deal with the issues today. We were prudent on the issue concerned and put it to a vote. We said at the outset that we support the general thrust of the legislation. The days of penalty points are here to stay.

Regrettably, too many people are still dying on our roads and I wish everyone safe driving from here to the new year. It is very sad to lose anybody in a road traffic accident, but for somebody to be involved in a fatal accident or to be killed in or around Christmas time is far more poignant and regrettable, not that it is ever easy. The RSA is doing a good job. By and large, all the NCT centres are doing a very good job.

Many years ago, when the NCT first came out, I had a four or five year old Mercedes. I went for an NCT and it failed, even though I thought it was a pretty good car and I have not been able to afford one since, a Mercedes anyway. They pointed out that there was a small hose pipe, which, I presume, forced the brake pads to work against the hub of the wheel when one pressed the brakes. I had never noticed it leaking, but I was not annoyed and it was a very wise thing to do, because they said that if that brake fluid kept leaking, I would have no brake in an emergency. I was very glad that they pointed it out. I had to get it fixed and came back and it was passed. They do an excellent job and must be complimented. I hope that by raising this issue here, nobody will get a belt of a stick down in west Cork, but it is important to have these debates.