Results 3,621-3,640 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: That is the one on which I am speaking.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: It is very specific. One of the issues which does not seem to be covered is the issue of slow drivers on our roads.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I am dealing with the principle behind the specifics of the amendment.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I want to make two points.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: Okay.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: There are a couple of issues which need to be looked at in regard to road safety. One is the issue of slow drivers. It is not uncommon to come across somebody driving at 60 km/h or 65 km/h on a 100 km/h stretch with a huge build-up of traffic behind him or her. People try to pass the person which, in itself, can become dangerous. Many people who drive at that speed will pull in once they...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (5 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I report lack of progress.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: The Cathaoirleach said that I could raise a number of points on this section and I will do so with the indulgence of the Leas-Chathaoirleach, although I may be stretching it. This section deals with the principal Act. There is an issue that needs more specific attention in the principal Act. I do not know if the Minister is of a mind to examine it on Report Stage. It concerns slow...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: On a point of order, the Minister was here last week when I attempted to raise this in connection with a specific amendment and the Cathaoirleach told me to raise it under the section. I am following through on that guidance. The Minister is amending the principal Act and I am referring to the principal Act.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: It is an important point. The slow driver is as much a hazard as a really fast driver, although some people may dispute that. This phenomenon has caused accidents. I take on board what the Minister says about its being difficult to fine someone for this, but it is not impossible. It is not impracticable to have a minimum driving speed. It happens in other countries on particular types of...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I do not know where the Minister stands on it.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: The points are being made sincerely. He responded on the speed limits-----

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I accept that. I did not raise that point the second time around. He has not responded at all to the other point about the slow drivers who are a hazard.

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: May I come in?

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: There is also an issue-----

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: I am not disputing that, but the Cathaoirleach told me to raise the point under this section. That is why I am doing it here. If the criterion is that people are being killed or injured, why do we have parking offences? There is a ream of offences in the Road Traffic Act which are judged not on the basis of injury to people but on the basis of best practice for traffic management. I am...

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: Section 87(1)(b) of the 2010 Act provides for a person driving or using a vehicle under the direction of a member of the Garda Síochána. Will the Minister clarify if it covers a garda who is off duty?

Seanad: Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Committee Stage (Resumed) (11 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: If the Minister finds that it is not the case, I suggest he brings forward an amendment on Report Stage to correct it.

Seanad: Address to Seanad Éireann by the Pope: Motion (19 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: This is an interesting motion. I note that, for whatever reason, my name is not attached to it. Senator Hayden stated that Christianity is about power. I do not see it that way. Christianity is about salvation and involves encouraging and helping us to live our lives in a way that is in accordance with the teachings of Christ. As we go through life, we are constantly searching for the...

Seanad: Order of Business (20 Feb 2014)

Jim Walsh: What about confidence in the Minister?