Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support the amendment proposed by Senator Brian Hayes. I am in favour of the abolition of the dual mandate; this is my personal opinion which I have expressed within the party. I am respectful of members of my party who take a different view. I am also respectful of Senators who believe they could be dislocated from councillors, their traditional base. Senators represent constituents and should have the right to question Ministers on issues pertinent to our constituents.

I praised the Minister for Transport when the penalty points system was introduced and asked if the penalty points regarding breaking the speed limit would apply to Ministers. The National Safety Council wrote to the Garda Commissioner, Mr. Pat Byrne, asking that the points be enforced for Ministers. The Commissioner has replied indicating that he will leave it to the discretion of gardaí. This sets a very bad example. It is a major disappointment—