Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There has been tremendous engagement and consultation around this issue. I do not believe anyone can argue that this issue has not been examined in great detail. I also do not believe that anyone can argue, by virtue of the fact that we do not have a masters penalty points system in place alongside the licensing penalty points system, that we are not putting ourselves in a very challenging position with the European Commission or in terms of protecting our own taxpayer funds owing to the €24 million not paid thus far. We are at significant risk of losing that if we do not live up to our obligations in terms of compliance with the regulation. As Minister, I am in contact with the sector at all times and I will continue to be. I have no doubt that members will agree with me that it is important that we introduce this system and masters legislation; ultimately, the system we introduce has to pass muster in terms of meeting our legal obligations.

There has been exceptional thought and assessment around the introduction of legislation that will address that issue. As the Bill moves through the Oireachtas and the committee examines it and continues its deliberations, that is the objective we wish to achieve in the best timeframe possible. The legislation I am bringing forward does that.