Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Conway for his co-operation. I thank all the Members for contributing to an extremely important debate. I had asked Senator McGreehan to take over the Chair for a few moments while I made a contribution, but I will leave it because I am not going to hold up the Minister of State. Before he responds, I will express my appreciation to him regarding the N5. I happened to be talking to the chief executive officer of Roscommon County Council last night. This is a major development for him and he asked me to ensure I say "thank you" to the Minister of State.

To make one comment regarding the casualties and accidents on our roads, there is a myriad of problems in this regard. It is not just speed. The Garda tell me that one of the biggest issues now is drug-driving. It is frightening when we think about it. This issue must be tackled, as must speed. The behaviour of some motorists now is shocking. Many of them are not lorry drivers but people in cars. I just cannot understand it. I drive a lot on the roads. I am not always a holy Joe myself, if I am honest about it, but some of the behaviour on the roads is thoroughly shocking. As I am in the Chair now, I will not make any further comment. I call the Minister of State.