Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleagues for allowing me to take a slot. I am not a member of this committee, but between Galway coachmen, Daniel O'Connell and Cork distilleries, I might be back again.

I want to raise two issues with the Minister. First, I mention the consultation that is taking place on the Dublin 11 Luas line through Finglas. I have raised this with the Minister and, as he knows, it is a post-2027 project. I am sure the Minister would agree with me that it fulfils all of the goals of our programme for Government that it would be a pre-2027 project and would be prioritised in the review of the national development plan. I do not say that in expectation of an answer today but to underline the point. If that project was completed with a terminus at Charlestown, it would have a 2 km gap between it and the MetroLink line which is being constructed up through Ballymun. While I do not expect both phases of that to be in place before 2027, there is great merit in connecting those two lines. That would unlock the potential of those northern lands, assist in the regeneration of Ballymun and provide many other benefits. I will leave all of that with the Minister, and if he can prioritise that, I would much appreciate it.

Second, I mention the amendments to the Road Traffic Act 1961, which I know the Minister has Cabinet approval on and which will help tackle the issue of the illegal use of scrambler bikes. I plead with the Minister, as much as with the committee, that time would be made for the pre-legislative scrutiny of that amendment Bill and for Committee Stage, where I expect the Minister to bring forward amendments. When will the Minister be in a position to publish those amendments?