Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support Senators from both sides of the House who have sought the acceptance of this amendment. Last week, on Second Stage we all sang from the same hymn sheet. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, for taking the approach he did last night and reflecting on the matter to see if there was anything he could do about it. I appeal to him now to examine the matter carefully and fairly. As local representatives, councillors know best what is going on in their own areas. They are responsible for roads and road safety but are being left out of this authority because they are public representatives. That is a terrible indictment of us as legislators.

During last week's debate on Second Stage, somebody said that when Bills come before the House to establish public bodies, a list of people are exempt from membership. It seems to be a uniform approach but perhaps now is the time to abandon it and examine each Bill separately. Some public bodies may not be able to accommodate local representatives but this particular one should do so.

On Second Stage, I also spoke of the importance of having a number of youth representatives on the authority. The Minister of State should re-examine that relevant point because many road fatalities involve young people. Middle-aged politicians, Gay Byrne and others who will be members of the authority may not be able to get through to such young people. Their peers might have more influence on them, however. Without labouring the point, I ask the Minister of State to use his influence. I know how persuasive he can be when it comes to something as vital as this. I call on him to use those powers.