Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates and express my sympathy for the position in which they find themselves. I am aware that they are enthusiasts and of the work of the two associations. It is our responsibility to challenge the thinking. I feel a little like Senator Eamonn Coghlan that there was an element of self-certification. I am also aware that to be a member of the associations one has to be an enthusiast and totally committed to their work.

In regard to road safety, if there was a way of reassuring the public that the vehicles were roadworthy, even when put on public display, that would be enough. In this instance, I agree with colleagues that this is bureaucracy and regulation over-kill. I note with interest and thank the delegates for drawing to our attention the discussions they have had at EU level where a reasonable approach has been adopted. In Ireland we appear to have gone over the top. I am supportive of what the delegates have come here to achieve. Although I am not always supportive of what Deputy Timmy Dooley proposes, he made a reasonable proposal which I support. We will have a further discussion to see how we can help the delegation to achieve its objectives.