Dáil To Debate 'Jake's Law'

The Dáil is to debate the new Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2015, also known as 'Jake's Law'.

Supporting the Bill Sinn Féin will use its Private Members Time in the Dáil to debate the proposed amendment, which seeks to reduce the speed limit in housing estates to 20km per hour.

'Jake's Law' was named after six-year-old Jake Brennan, who was knocked down and killed near his home in Lintown Grove, Co Kilkenny on 12 June, 2014.

Roseann Brennan today launched a three-night vigil outside Leinster House, to urge the government to reduce speed limits in housing estates.

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said: "As a mother I can’t begin to comprehend the tragedy that has befallen the Brennan family with the loss of young Jake.

"The Jake’s Legacy campaign is a credit to Jake’s parents Rosie and Chris and to the wider family and their supporters.

"To pick themselves up and campaign for a law that would help prevent another family from going through their trauma is an extremely courageous thing to do and I commend them for it.

"I am happy to say that we will be bringing Jake’s Law to the floor of the Dáil next week and we will be seeking cross party support for it.

"The Taoiseach, the Transport Minister Paschal Donohue and Environment Minister Alan Kelly have all shown support for Jake’s Legacy so I hope that this will pass through the Oireachtas speedily.

"This is not a party political issue.  It deserves the support of all parties and none and I trust we will get it in the Dáil this week."

(MH/CD)