Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Gallagher raised the matter of juvenile arthritis and the need to appoint a third consultant. I would be happy to invite the Minister for Health to the House in that regard.

Senators O’Donnell, Paddy Burke and Mulherin raised the issue of transport. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, will be in the House on 16 November.

Senator O’Donnell also raised the very important topic of road safety and the increase in the number of fatalities this year. They are people who die. They leave loved ones who have to grieve and there are huge implications for the lives of many who are left behind. We are approaching the bank holiday weekend. It is crucial that people slow down and do not drink. The clocks will go back and people will be out late. Tiredness, speed, the odd second on the phone sending a text or whatever can jeopardise the lives of others on the roads. It is important we do not do that, not just this weekend but in general. I would be happy to invite the Minister to the House. Bringing in people from the Road Safety Authority is a matter for the CPP.

Senator O’Donnell rightly raised the changing demographic on our roads now that more people are back at work. It is important that education in road behaviour increases because people are commuting further and taking risks. I see it in the mornings when people are taking kids to school, going to work, leaving a bit later or getting caught in traffic and taking shortcuts. It is crucial to re-educate people, along with enforcement and engineering.

The Senator also mentioned the national children’s hospital and the importance of people being able to gain access to it. I would be happy to invite the Minister for Health to the House to deal with that subject.

Senator Wilson raised the very important issue of Brexit and the Minister of State with responsibility for defence. He is scheduled to come to the House but the Government is recruiting in the Defence Forces. In the White Paper it commits to recruiting 9,500. There are 400 being recruited this year. As the economic recovery is beginning to be felt throughout the country, it is important that we recruit.