Road safety and presidential remarks
Senator Buttimer backed a debate on road fatalities and then shifted to concerns about the President’s comments, arguing that Members need freedom to agree or disagree in debate. After further warnings from the Chair, he reiterated the need for debate and turned to delayed exam results for 2022 leaving and junior certificate students.
I hope we do have a debate on the last point Senator Horkan made, namely, road safety. There is a rising trend in road fatalities in the country. Notwithstanding the fact that cars were off the road for Covid and travel was curtailed, there is a trend of increasing road fatalities and accidents. I support Senator Horkan's call for a debate on the issue. I concur with Senator Horkan and endorse his call for a debate on road safety in this House.
I know you will not let me finish, a Chathaoirligh, but I concur with Senator Mullen that there is a need for the President to retract part of his statement regarding the killings in Nigeria. In the overarching debate, there is a need-----
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I know. Senator Buttimer knows about the separation of powers.
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I take the point that was made yesterday by Senator O'Sullivan. Members know the situation.
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I accept that, but it is extravagant in itself to link climate change to the murders. There is a need for a debate. I agree with what Senator Mullen says about how we can frame a debate in terms of agreeing or disagreeing. I appreciate that our hands are tied and I will not put you on the spot, a Chathaoirligh.