Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

As the Minister said, this is the sixth major legislative measure that has been introduced in an attempt to curb the number of deaths on the roads. The Bill provides for the privatisation of the operation of speed cameras, the introduction of mandatory roadside breath testing of drivers for alcohol consumption in a targeted manner and a statutory basis for the control of the use of mobile phones by motorists.

With regard to the proposed mandatory breath testing, I sympathise with the views expressed by Senator McDowell. I am from a rural area and country pubs are the only form of social intercourse for many people in such areas, particularly elderly people. They will travel the few miles to the pub in a car or on a tractor to have their two pints before driving home. That is the only form of communication many of these people have once or twice a week so we must take them into consideration when legislating for mandatory breath testing. I accept that most road deaths occur outside Dublin and major urban centres but they do not occur in country areas between 11 p.m. and midnight. We must take that into account.

Senator McDowell also mentioned that gardaí must have authorisation from a superior officer above the rank of inspector to establish a checkpoint. If that is the case, it should be an airtight, verifiable authorisation. It should be on a computer and be dated, timed and so forth because I can envisage this provision being challenged in the courts as often as the existing legislation is. I agree with the sentiments underlying the provision, namely, that people should not drink and drive. However, account must be taken of rural dwellers, particularly the elderly.

The Bill provides for the length of disqualification for hit and run offences, dangerous driving and insurance offences to be doubled. I agree with that provision. I have long advocated in the House that there should be a mandatory period of disqualification of up to two years for a first offence, for people caught driving without insurance. It is a serious offence and should be dealt with seriously in the legislation by way of strict penalties.

I do not agree with the suggestion by Senator Morrissey that the practice whereby young people pay their insurance on a monthly basis be discontinued. While the cost of insurance has been reduced in recent years, due to Government policy, it is still relatively expensive for young people and the only way they can pay for their insurance is on a monthly basis. Perhaps there is some mechanism for only providing them with a disc on a monthly basis. It might add to the administration costs of the insurance company in which case it would have to be paid for by the driver.

I agree that mobile phones are a cause of accidents and dangerous driving. Even the hands-free mobile phone is a distraction when one is concentrating on a conversation and trying to drive at the same time. They should be banned altogether and give us all some peace while driving.

There is genuine concern that the privatisation of speed cameras will be a revenue generating scheme by the Government. I am glad the Minister clarified the issue. I also compliment the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Gallagher, with whom I communicated in regard to the detention of uninsured, untaxed and unlicensed vehicles. While Irish citizens have been subject to this law, foreign nationals have not. The reality, without sounding racist, is that foreign drivers are bringing in cars that are not roadworthy and not subject to any tests. I agree wholeheartedly with the section of the Bill dealing with same.

Sections 10 and 11 deal with driving licences. Those who allowed their licence to lapse for 12 months or more can incur a penalty of up to €1,000. The local authority from which the licence was issued should have to notify the person that the licence is out of date. There are a few other items but I will leave them to my colleague, Senator Ormonde.