Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Moroney referred in his opening statement to contractor-owned tractors and I got the impression it was more a case of self-assessment. He said the tractors need to be in top condition and, therefore, need to be exempt from an NCT. Is this a self-assessment process and what checks and tests are carried out? Why does Mr. Moroney think it would be justified for contractor-owned tractors to be exempt from an NCT on the basis of road safety?

Mr. Moroney raised the issue of cyclists and the 1.5 m overtaking limit. Why does he feel this would not be enforceable for tractors? While he has outlined the problems, does he believe it could be enforceable for tractors?

Mr. Lee referred to automotive assessors. As he is aware, under the new road traffic legislation that has been brought in to cover write-offs, motor insurers are compelled to notify about all domestic write-offs so the records can be locked down and further circulation of the vehicle prevented. Is Mr. Lee suggesting the legislation is insufficient? He said the term "write-off" was a financial term and does not define what most people would term a write-off. Based on what Mr. Lee said, this legislation is not fit for purpose in regard to domestic write-offs. I would like clarity on that point.

Were there consultations with the Minister or the Department in the run-up to the new legislation coming in? Did the Minister take on board the concerns and what was the outcome?

The training and re-education programme was raised by Mr. Farrelly. What is the proposed length of time for the monitoring period and have the proposals been costed? Reference was made to a smartphone. Is the onus on the person to have the smartphone, and if they do not have one, what happens? Has there been any feedback from the National Transport Authority, NTA, the RSA or the Department on the proposals and has the association been in contact with them? Would it be compulsory or voluntary for drivers with six penalty points? Is the carrot the fact two penalty points will be dropped? In particular, I would like to know what consultation the association has had and whether this has been costed.