Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. I commend the motion. It is unfortunate that although all parties agreed to have a debate on this subject, an amendment has been introduced which, despite Maurice Morrow’s words about political point-scoring, leads to division in the House. Yesterday was a good day; everyone agreed on the two motions, and I thought that we would have three in a row today, but unfortunately that is not to be the case.

In proposing the motion, my comrade Raymond McCartney told us that road deaths have no boundary of geography, class or creed, and how, in this Building last year, Ursula Quinn had provided a personal and poignant testimony to the enduring effect of a road death on a family. That event gained all-party support and a pledge to support the work of the “Driving Kills” group. Raymond also warned against complacency about road deaths and how it compounded the suffering of the bereaved.

By and large, Members were united in their comments. Edwin Poots talked about the different road traffic system in the South, and how the current driving test was a nonsense. He said that it needed to test real ability, to bring into consideration dual carriageways and differing road conditions, and to be more practical. That was covered in the motion, so I am not sure why that matter was raised.

Sam Gardiner called on the DOE and the Depart­ment for Regional Development to be more proactive; he said that road signs are often obliterated, and that road markings could be improved. He believed that a better use of modern technology could help to warn drivers of excessive speed or difficult road conditions.