Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

We are in discussion with the Courts Service, which is normal in such matters. I am expressing to the House reservations made to me by Members on all sides and in the Upper House about taking the step of removing the discretion of the courts in all circumstances. One's livelihood and so on could be destroyed when the offence does not involve injuring, killing or drink driving, which incur mandatory disqualifications of driving licences.

The proposal contained in the Fine Gael Bill appears to introduce a mandatory prison sentence for dangerous driving offences.

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