Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Section 3(4) empowers the Minister to make regulations to restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, other communications equipment, and information and entertainment equipment by occupants of motor vehicles. This provision is important because it recognises the need to have a broad, flexible legislative framework to regulate in-vehicle technologies and information, communication or indeed entertainment equipment for the purpose of restricting or preventing driver distraction associated with the use of such technologies by occupants of motor vehicles.

When we consider the scale and pace of innovation in these technologies, the assigning of regulation-making powers to the Minister is prudent and sensible. Technology is advancing so quickly it is important that we should be able to act immediately, if necessary. If a piece of technology is introduced which might have an effect or impair the driver and lead to dangers or distractions, it is important the Minister should have that power.

Scenic routes are a distraction. I would like the hedges trimmed in some of the most beautiful scenic routes in the country but I am told that can be a distraction for drivers. That is something I will discuss with my colleague in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There should be ample notices in advance of such scenic sites and lay-bys whereby those who want to view our scenery, and we want them to do that, would be able to do so without endangering their own safety or the safety of others.