Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was hoping the Cathaoirleach might give me a leath lá.

On my behalf and that of the Government, I extend deepest sympathies to the families of Mícheal Roarty, Shaun Harkin, Daniel Scott and John Harley who were tragically killed at the weekend in Donegal, as well as the family of Jackie Griffin who was killed on the M50. The very worthwhile request by Senator McDowell for a debate on road traffic and road safety comes following a weekend marked by further tragic and traumatic loss of life in Donegal. As the Senator McDowell rightly stated, it sends a shiver down one's spine to again hear of four young men being killed in a car accident.

The fatal crash on the M50 highlights the need for our society to come to a proper understanding on the usage of social media and mobile technology. This House has a responsibility to legislate in that regard, but there is also an obligation on social media companies to think of the victims of tragedies and their families. The Garda addressed the issue of certain social media posts after the crash on the M50 at the weekend. The actions of some in that regard were irresponsible and, of course, illegal. It is important to recognise that bereaved families are today grieving the death of a loved one. I hope that the House can send a message to all those working in road safety that we need to be more proactive. There was a 40% drop in fatalities in 2018 to the lowest level since records began in 1959. However, we must not become complacent. Significantly, there was a 32% increase in the number of pedestrians killed on our roads, of whom a substantial portion are men aged 55 or over. We have a lot of work to do. The request of Senator McDowell for the Minister to come to the House should be fulfilled as a matter of urgency.

I welcome to the Gallery Mr. Seán Moran, a very good friend of mine who has brought Gaelic games to the homes of many thousands of Irish people. He is an eminent journalist and it is great to have him in the Gallery for the Order of Business. I thank him for the great work he does in bringing Gaelic games to so many people on a daily basis.

Several Senators made reference to the issue of the nurses' strike which is-----