Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I apologise to the House for my absence. I got caught out in terms of the time.

A constituent of mine served in the Garda for 30 years. During that time he would have driven over 100,000 miles on Garda motorcycles; that is a conservative estimate. When he retired, with a distinguished record in the Garda Síochána, he maintained his love for and interest in motorcycling. On applying for a licence as an individual, however, he was dismayed to learn that having served 30 years or more in the Garda Síochána, and having driven so many miles with a perfect record, he would have to apply for a provisional driving licence. As a result, he could not ride a motorbike with an engine over a certain cc. Basically, he was being treated like a 17 year old.

I understand this is the position in many other counties but a little common sense should be applied in this regard. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone involved in the emergency services, be it the fire service, the Garda Síochána or the ambulance service. In unique cases such as those involving a retired member of the force who, while a member of the force, is entitled to use any motor vehicle but, on retiring with a perfect record, is asked to apply for a provisional licence, the Minister and the Government should show some latitude in granting such persons a full licence. They should not be forced to apply for a provisional driving licence and to resit the test. That is insulting to them. I hope the Minister will use common sense in examining the relevant legislation with a view to introducing a short amendment. The Road Traffic Bill is before the Houses and perhaps there is an opportunity in that Bill to deal with the problem. If not, perhaps it could be dealt with in this House. I am sure many of the Minister's own constituents may fall under the same remit. I ask the Minister to examine this issue and look forward to his reply.