John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Ryan for sharing time with me and the Independent Senators for tabling this motion. I am glad Government Senators amended the Government amendment and dropped the reference to 11 September 2001. As a younger driver, it is important that I speak on this issue. While I agreed with much of what Senator Leyden said, I disagree with what he said about the speed with which the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment was acting on the issue. Many speakers, particularly those from the Government parties, have said it has dragged on for years. If it has, why is it only now that the Tánaiste is taking steps to resolve it? This could not be described as swift.

I drove the ten miles to college every morning before I was elected to this House.