Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I challenge the Revenue, customs, the Garda, the PSNI and all of the agencies involved to pay heed to what has been said here and get involved on Committee Stage to ensure we stop such illicit trade.

I wish to bring some light-heartedness to the discussion. Deputy Mattie McGrath referred to "The Transit Van" by Seamus Moore. Another song of his which is well known in my region is "Flash The Lights At Me" which refers to the well-known tradition of telling drivers to watch out ahead.

We’re crafty ’round the border, that’s how we have to be

We like to get the better of the customs and authority

We can barely forge, we know the score, we’ve a simple philosophy

If the thing’s not right day or night, won’t you flash the lights at me.

It sums up this illegality in a light-hearted way.

I appeal to the Government to allow the Bill to progress to Committee Stage. It has support across the House. Many of the issues raised tonight could be dealt with on Committee Stage when counter-arguments could be put forward. I prepared a response on several of the issues raised but do not have sufficient time to outline it. It is incumbent on all Members to at least address this issue and find a solution to what is not an easy problem but can generate revenue for the State. I came to this House to try to make a difference, as did all Members. The Government must stop ignoring that we have a problem and, rather, find a solution to it. Anything can be improved if the will to do so is there. The Government should not oppose the Bill but, rather, allow it to progress to Committee Stage.

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