Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Wall about us finally recognising the men of Jadotville. Members in both Houses have previously raised this matter. We should not allow it to be repeatedly discussed and raised here, as there is cross-party consensus. As Senator Wall mentioned local authorities, I note that two former members of the Army, Councillor Joe Malone in Kilkenny and Councillor Gary Laffan in Wexford, tabled motions on the issue with their local authorities as has happened across the country. The Defence Forces have a lot of bigger issues but the recognition of the Jadotville men is a small issue. Only eight brave men who served in Jadotville remain and I ask the Leader to seek an assurance from the Minister for Defence that he will come here to debate this issue.

I welcome the statement that the Taoiseach made this morning concerning the development of a shared island unit and its priorities. In particular, I hope that we will have a debate and discussion in this House. I am happy that he has committed to the development of the university campus at Magee College and to the concept of an all-island research entity, which is very important.

I wish to raise what is a very important issue for a significant number of people. I ask that the Minister for Transport explains why the driving test list grows ever longer. Somebody who currently awaits their driving test has had to wait over 30 weeks.This is prohibitive for young people, and some not-so-young people, not only in terms of enabling them to drive unaccompanied but for many who need to be able to drive to work. I would ask that priority be given to looking at how we can reduce the driver test list.