Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle will recall that last night in my contribution I dealt with the Bill and I made numerous remarks about it and other matters. I stressed my support for the concept of good public transport. I refer to the Dublin region, Dublin South-West and Tallaght and the need for rural transport in Bothernabreena.

Deputy Durkan was impressed last night when I remarked that the development of public transport in my region of Dublin is important, including the extension of the Luas. We all received a note in our letter boxes this week, including Deputy Brian Hayes, to the effect that the RPA has announced that the metro west, Tallaght east to Dardistown line is under way. The RPA has stated it has identified the preferred design option for metro west at the junction of Belgard Road and Embankment Road and it continues to consult locally.

In case the Leas Cheann-Comhairle looks in my direction, this concerns the Bill, which attempts to improve public transport and creating a situation where people can access good public transport. This takes the pressure off those who might be tempted to drink and drive.

I refer to Part 5 and I wish to put forward some views in this regard. I note that sections 47 to 51 provide for amendments to the definition of a driving licence and include foreign driving licence holders into the scope of the application for sanctions for road traffic offences, including a disqualification for holding a driving licence. There are Garda powers to seize a licence where a driver is disqualified or a licence is suspected to be fraudulent. The new measures require the production of a driving licence and a copy of the licence to the District Court clerk on the first day of a court hearing. This is a very important issue.

Several colleagues were in Cavan at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly for the 20th anniversary plenary session. The highlight of the meeting was the visit of the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, who came to talk to the members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly on the economy. A very interesting debate took place in the afternoon session. We were joined by the Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, and the new Chief Constable of the PSNI, Matt Baggott. Many good issues were raised. I took the opportunity to invite the chief constable of the PSNI to visit Tallaght.

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