8. Mr Sheehan asked the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on his Department's efforts to improve road safety. (AQO 577/22-27)

It is a matter of deep regret that we continue to see so many lives lost on our roads. We must remember that each life lost is not merely a statistic but a family member, a parent, a child or a friend. Those deaths cause so much pain to families and tear communities apart. This month, I intend to bring a revised road safety strategy to the Executive for their agreement. A digital advertising campaign is nearing completion, and, last week, the British Heart Foundation became the latest organisation to partner with us by pledging to Share the Road to Zero.

The road safety strategy is an important document for refocusing minds and energy on creating safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people. However, it is only the collective efforts of us all that will truly make a difference. My officials are working alongside those in other Departments and from the emergency services to ensure that we have a single, agreed and collaborative approach to road safety. Once the outworkings of the Budget are known, officials will work with road safety partners to agree a forward action plan covering engineering, enforcement and education.

As I have said, we can all play our part in road safety and potentially in saving a life by thinking about how we act when we are travelling from A to B using roads or footpaths. We all need to wise up and take personal responsibility for behaving in a way that keeps us and others safe on our roads.

Tá brón orm, a Phat, ach níl ach bomaite amháin agat.

[Translation: Sorry, Pat, you have only one minute.]

Go raibh maith agat, a Phríomh-Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht a fhreagra.

[Translation: Thank you, Madam Principal Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his answer.]

Can the Minister tell us the aim of the road safety strategy?

Quickly, Minister.

The aim is to cut road deaths substantially, in line with ambitions and targets in other European states and across these islands.

That ends the period for listed questions. We will now move on to 15 minutes of topical questions. Questions 6, 7 and 9 have been withdrawn.