Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Eugene Murphy said, we are in the era of modern technology. The biggest problem is defining the use of mobile phones. The easiest part of a mobile phone is the talking part, but there is an issue with getting a number. With a hands-free kit in the car, keying a phone number into the dash is what causes the danger, not talking on the phone. Defining the use of the mobile phone will become the issue regarding road safety. I wish to reiterate that it is not having the phone to one's ear that is a problem. It is when the phone is on the dash and the driver is trying to dial the number or search for the contact name. The whole issue of defining the use of a mobile phone needs to be debated further.

I welcome the thrust of the amendment, but I am not sure about just increasing penalties. It comes down to the issue of education and creating more awareness among the public of the best way to drive.

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