Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I propose to share time with Deputies McHugh, Gregory and Catherine Murphy.

The Green Party supports the broad measures outlined in this Bill. It is receiving widespread support because of the outrage at the ongoing carnage on our roads and the requirement for legislators to do whatever possible to halt the tale of tragedy.

I was in a pub in Leitrim at 1 a.m. recently and I do not know what the licensing arrangements were but I am sure what happened was not legal. A Garda drew up outside the pub, where music was being played. It sounded its siren and we left the pub. I remarked that this was a nice Irish way of accomplishing this without creating hassle. As I was standing outside the pub, two men emerged who had consumed many drinks. The publican told them the direction the Garda car had taken. The implication was that it would be safe for the two men to drive in the other direction.

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