Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The proposed new subsection (13) would have the effect of disqualifying a person in advance of a date specified in a notice under subsection (11), which is 14 days from the date of the notice. As the date of disqualification would be dependent on receipt of the notice, such a provision would be difficult, if not impossible, to enforce, it would be unwise to include it in the Bill. The Bill is stronger as it stands. On the proposed subsection (14), the penalties for driving while disqualified already provided for in section 6(2), which provides for a mandatory disqualification of at least one year, and section 12(b), which provides for a fine of €5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, meet the objective of Senator Paddy Burke's amendment. There is little difference between our positions and, having explained this, I hope Senator Burke might consider withdrawing his amendment.