Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Like Deputy Broughan, Fine Gael has proposed a later amendment in this area. We must come into line with what is happening in Europe, although I know there are not as many lorries doing business on our roads as we would like now. As I said on Committee Stage, I have noticed a marked improvement with regard to enforcement of regulations in this regard and have seen lorries being pulled in for checks. I urge the Minister to do everything in his power to get everything in line and to encourage lorry drivers. Drivers need help and some of them must work around the clock to make a living. A few hours sleep never did drivers any harm and they will still arrive on time. We have a bad reputation in Europe and we must get ourselves into line in this regard. Fine Gael will support that. We have raised the issue further down the line, but I will leave it to the Minister.

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