Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a brief comment. I always acknowledge the Minister's sincerity in addressing issues but I am concerned about the way he replied to the amendment proposed by Deputy Broughan. As somebody who was wrong in the past and who used a mobile telephone and was prosecuted for it, I am aware, as I am sure the Minister is, that nobody was ever fined €2,000 for using a mobile telephone. I was fined €40 or €60, whatever the amount was, at the time. As I said earlier, I am very concerned by the number of car, van or lorry drivers I see with a telephone held to their ear. As Deputy Browne said, we must address this issue. I might have some concern about a disqualification for six months, as perhaps it should be for a shorter period for a first offence, but I would not be happy to pass this Bill and leave the situation relating to mobile telephones unchanged, because it is a massive issue.

As Deputy Browne also said, we have seen many tragic road accidents and we have been told that mobile phones were being used when some of those occurred. This is a serious issue for all legislators. While acknowledging the difficulties the Minister might have with this issue we should not simply pass over it but should work with the amendment proposed by Deputy Broughan.

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