An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-18
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Martin Conway (IND), Administrative Panel

I wished everyone well for Christmas yesterday and reiterate that today.
The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, announced today that he was not going to split the Road Safety Authority as had been recommended by a consultant retained by the previous Minister. I agree with the decision of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. We do not need two quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations, quangos, with two CEOs, two boards, two chairs and so on to deal with road safety. We need to implement the common-sense approach and the good work that has been done over the years to escalate it. There is no point in creating a scenario whereby waiting lists for driving tests and so on will increase during the process of creating a new structure.
I am saying this while bearing in mind that a person lost their life in Limerick last night, as did another person in Tipperary. Those deaths are appalling. The fact that the number of deaths has increased this year is very worrying. I also spare some thought for people who are injured because, sometimes, their injuries are life-changing. These statistics highlight the impact on the lives of the people who are hurt and, indeed, their families and loved ones. We have a problem with road safety. I appeal to people. Everybody has a role to play when it comes to road safety. I, unfortunately, do not drive. However, I appeal to all of those who do to be extra careful. Statistics show that most accidents happen within 4 km or 5 km of the home. People probably lose a little concentration because they are so familiar with the territory. Obviously, there is also substance abuse. I support the increased visibility of An Garda Síochána in that area.
Perhaps in the new year the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, would come to the Chamber for statements on road safety so that we might get his thoughts on what changes he will bring to the Road Safety Authority without splitting it up.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:29+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-18