Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

There were reports in the newspapers that the Department of Transport is planning to pass information to insurance companies regarding people who receive penalty points on their licences. That worries me because the insurance companies will penalise the bad drivers but will not reward the good ones.

With regard to the €150 million payout to CIE employees, to which they are entitled under the changes proposed in recent weeks, will it affect the transport budget? That budget is already under attack. I have not referred to the transport system in Dublin as I am not sufficiently familiar with it but my colleague, Senator Brian Hayes, will comment on it. I thank the Minister for his attendance at this debate and I look forward to hearing his replies to our questions.