Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too compliment those who moved the motion, but motions are no good. We need action. A recent report from an all party group made 74 recommendations. I have said that four would be enough if they were acted upon rather than people engaging in the kind of tomfoolery, blindfolding and hoodwinking of the public who have to pay for insurance. Business people, publicans, shopkeepers, undertakers, hauliers and others are being robbed. What is happening is nothing but daylight robbery.

The claims are ridiculous, and legal eagles are extorting money from the system. We need the RSA to tackle this issue and a decent competition authority because the current body is toothless. As I said, we need action.

Young people who want to drive now have to do 12 lessons before their driving test. They are more experienced on the roads than we are and display their L-plates. They are fleeced before they start driving. They should be allowed to get onto the roads and have a trial period, and if they cause accidents or run amok they should be penalised.

People are driving without insurance because they cannot afford it. I do not condone that in any way, shape or form, but the RSA, the Minister, Deputy Ross, and the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport need to concentrate on other areas and leave the ordinary man and woman who want to have some pleasure on the weekends or a night out alone.

There are plenty of buses, the Luas, the DART and other services in Dublin. The people of rural Ireland must have cars. Young people have to get to work. We need bus services. Those in rural Ireland are being attacked. This issue has more of an impact on rural Ireland than anywhere else. The Ministers of State in the Chamber might be laughing at me, but we need action instead of reports and recommendations.

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