Seanad debates

Wednesday, 24 May 2006

Road Safety Authority Bill 2004: Report Stage.

 

4:00 pm

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I support the comments of the three previous speakers. I am disappointed that a provision to preclude members of local authorities from membership of the road safety authority has come before the House. It shows a lack of consideration and respect for the democratic process as well as those who put themselves forward for election. A similar provision was proposed during the lifetime of the previous Seanad. From speaking to Ministers at that time, I am aware that many Ministers in different Departments were disposed towards removing the provision but had difficulty with their own officials in this regard. Nevertheless, a number of them took the courageous decision to remove similar provisions, which at one point featured in a great deal of new legislation. These provisions have now reappeared and it is incumbent on Senators to cry "Halt".

I also agree with the comments of Senator Wilson and Paddy Burke regarding the Minister of State. Given his experience of councillors and the democratic process, he will be disposed to listen to the arguments Senators make. I hope, therefore, that a way can be found to remove this provision as it is an insult to people across the county who put themselves forward for election and represent the public on State bodies. While I do not advocate appointing councillors to every public body, if a local authority member has the expertise needed to make a positive and constructive contribution to a State body, he or she should not be prevented from being appointed to one.

The changes being made to the Garda Síochána, including the formation of joint policing committees, will give councillors a much greater involvement in all policing activities, for instance, traffic control. Most, if not all, councillors receive regular statistics updates on road accidents and so forth and carry out their own assessments of areas in their locality which present a high risk of road accidents. Once established, the membership of any of these boards is open to a ministerial decision. I cannot understand, however, how legislation can be brought before the House which automatically excludes people simply because they are involved in the democratic process. It is unfair, unjust and probably would not stand up to any sort of scrutiny or assessment by due process.

I join with those who have argued that the subsection should be deleted. I ask the Minister of State not to put us in the embarrassing position whereby we, who feel so strongly about this, would have to go through the division lobby to support something to which we are fundamentally opposed. It is unfair, unjust and should not happen. I appeal to the Minister of State to run with the Opposition amendments which, as has been said, can be dealt with easily in the Lower House. That happens from time to time when Bills which are initiated in this House are amended in the Lower House and dealt with swiftly when they come back here. I urge that that be done in this case.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.