Sinn Féin's spokesperson for Transport, Pa Daly TD, has offered heartfelt sympathies to all affected by the fatal M9 crash and pressed for immediate measures to strengthen roads policing.

The Kerry TD stated: "I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives and to those injured in the horrific collision on the M9. My thoughts are also with the emergency service personnel who attended the scene and were confronted with traumatic circumstances in the course of their duties.

"This tragedy is another devastating reminder of the growing crisis on our roads. Behind every statistic is a family left grieving, a community left shocked, and lives changed forever.

"Road deaths last year were the highest recorded in a decade. Alarmingly, 116 people have already lost their lives on our roads this year, a figure that has surpassed the number of fatalities recorded at the same point last year. Despite repeated Government promises and awareness campaigns, the reality is that road casualty figures continue to move in the wrong direction.

"The Road Safety Authority, operating in line with Government policy, has placed significant emphasis on advertising and public awareness campaigns. While education has an important role to play, the evidence is clear: awareness campaigns alone are not enough. If they were, we would not be witnessing a continued rise in deaths and serious injuries.

"This is not a zero sum game. It is shocking that this government continues to run surpluses every year yet has consistently failed to resource roads policing properly meaning that tragedies on our roads are on the rise. "One area where numbers are not increasing is Garda road policing resources. In 2009 there were 1,046 Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing Units. By last year that figure had fallen to just 645. At a time when road fatalities are rising, the capacity of specialist road policing units has been severely diminished.

"Just as visible Garda patrols help deter crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities, a strong and visible Garda presence on our roads has a vital deterrent effect on dangerous driving. Evidence given to the Oireachtas Transport Committee by Alcohol Action Ireland highlighted that 75% of motorists believe they are unlikely to encounter a Garda while driving. When drivers believe there is little chance of detection, compliance suffers and reckless behaviour becomes more prevalent.

"I note comments made this morning by Minister Canney, who stated that the Government is 'waiting for Gardaí to specify the supports needed to tackle reckless driving' and that Garda representatives will revert following meetings held in recent weeks.

"With respect, the answers are already known.

"We do not need further delays, reviews or consultations. We need more Gardaí assigned to Roads Policing Units. We need greater investment in specialist training, equipment and supports for Garda members. We need a visible policing presence on our roads that sends a clear message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated.

"The steady rise in road deaths demands urgency from Government. Every life lost is one too many. The time for waiting has passed. We need decisive action now to prevent more families from receiving the devastating news that no family should ever have to endure."