Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept that the Deputy is being asked to buy a pig in a poke. I have appeared before two committees and explained in detail what I am doing. I have here laid out, in broad but direct terms, the responsibilities of the authority. I have also stated that the National Safety Council will become part of the authority to create, on a statutory basis, one body that will have responsibility for co-ordinating all matters, some of which lie with the NRA, the driver testing authorities, local authorities and various sections of the Department. Everyone has recommended that the functions should be overseen by a single statutory road safety authority with real teeth.

I have answered this question many times. When the amendments are ready, I will give them to the Deputy in good time before we deal with them. I hope that is acceptable and that the Bill will be a substantial improvement on the original proposal.

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