Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I do not disagree with the Deputy. That is why we have moved ahead of the European level. I have raised this matter at the EU transport meetings. It is not a question of some countries being more committed than others. However, getting a harmonised system in place is a formidable challenge. Because of that, we felt our immediate target should be on the island of Ireland. That is why I moved with my Northern Ireland counterparts on this. I am only one party involved in this process. The feedback was that it would have to be done on a UK-Northern Ireland-Republic of Ireland basis.

The Deputy correctly identified that it will be a longer process at European level. However, we have forced the pace in moving ahead. The primary objective is the island of Ireland result. We have in place the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications, which is a major step. When that is properly functioning, the penalty points issue should be resolved. I want one system of penalty points on the island of Ireland and the laws between the two jurisdictions to be harmonised to reflect this. Road safety and issues of that matter lend themselves to an all-island approach. The appetite is there for progress on the matter but one has to tread at a certain pace in these matters.

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