Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

What is the timeframe for the amendments? This is an unsatisfactory way to do business. Why did not the Minister not come up with a major safety authority Bill in the first instance? Why must this Government always introduce a Bill and then radically change it?

In April, the Minister appointed a chief executive officer designate of what was then to be the driver testing standards authority. What is the position as regards that appointment? Has that person been paid since April? What compensation implications exist due to the change of the functions of the authority and his role?

The Minister promised action on a number of outstanding issues, including the practical training of motorcyclists and the regulation of driving instructors. Must we wait until the authority is established before we can take action in these areas?

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