Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I too would like to be associated with the remarks in respect of Denis Landy. I wish him good health and happiness to himself and his family, whatever he chooses to do from here on.

I raise the issue of road safety. In 2016, 188 people lost their lives on Irish roads. We can all imagine the pain and suffering those families are going through. One interesting statistic is that for every road death, eight people are left with serious, life-changing injuries. Another statistic worth noting is that in 2015, 166 people lost their lives and, of that figure, 45 were between the age of 16 and 25, and 130 were male. With that in mind, I compliment the gardaí in the Cavan-Monaghan division on an initiative undertaken by Sergeant Tony Campbell who, for the third or fourth year running, has organised an event for all transition year students in County Monaghan. The same project is also being rolled out in County Cavan. I attended the event yesterday and more than 400 transition year students were present. Some had already commenced driving and some were about to start. It is basically a road safety roadshow and an appeal to young drivers to slow down and be conscious of the rules of the road. The initiative involved young people being presented with the reality of what happens from the moment a crash occurs until the road is cleared. It was attended by the local safety officer of Monaghan County Council, local gardaí, a paramedic, a consultant from the emergency department in Cavan General Hospital, an undertaker, a coroner and a mother who lost her child and who gave testimony. It was a striking presentation and was very worthwhile. From speaking to some of the students, it left a lasting impression.

I bring this up today because I ask the Leader to mention this project to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. It is a template that could be rolled out throughout the country and which would be beneficial to all young people who have just commenced driving or are about to commence driving.