Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good to see that Senator Norris is ecumenical in how he regards all parties. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, has brought legislation through recognising Travellers as an ethnic group. I represent many Travellers and it is a positive move. I hope it will be a catalyst for real change.

Last night, there was a tragic car accident on the M7 between junction 27, Birdhill, and junction 28, Castletroy. One man tragically lost his life. Many cars were involved in the accident. There was severe weather along the stretch of road and I have e-mailed the CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, formerly the National Roads Authority, Mr. Michael Nolan, asking him to carry out an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. The stretch of road in question is in County Tipperary but it leads towards Gooig bog. Many of people have told me there are issues relating to the road in terms of flooding and aquaplaning. I pass my sympathies to the family of the man who lost his life on the route last night. We need to ensure that the route is safe.