Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would gladly take an hour if the Ceann Comhairle gave it to me, but I will probably have to stop after 11.5 minutes.

I sympathise with those who have lost a loved one in any road traffic accident during the years. It is a very difficult time for many families and I sympathise sincerely with each one of them. I also accept that I have a conflict of interest, as I have two brothers who own rural pubs in west Cork and a daughter, Marie, who works in two bars in west Cork also. It is their livelihood.

Drink driving should be severely punished. However, this is an anti-rural Ireland Bill which is proved by the fact that it is before the House on a Friday, when many rural Deputies must be back in their constituencies. From what I can gather, we were meant to discuss it for an hour, but it has increased to two hours or perhaps more, however that happened. It is extraordinary. I was due to have many constituency clinic meetings in many pubs in west Cork today and although I am glad that others can carry them out, I will be back in Castletownbere this evening in McCarthy's bar for a clinic. They are truly great people.

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