Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister stated that my friend's case would qualify as a spent conviction after seven years, but my friend believed she had been suspended for 12 months, not seven years. What the Minister is really saying is that, even though my friend has served her suspension, she will serve it for a good while longer because she cannot afford to pay the €2,000 per year that the insurance company can charge her.

The provision being addressed by amendments Nos. 48 and 49 lacks a recognition of rehabilitation having occurred. It happens sometimes and it needs to be recognised. This would be positive, and the Minister should reconsider the amendments.

See this speech in context