Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As in this House, Members of the Dáil referred to the challenge, at a time of continuing innovation in communications technologies, of legislating to regulate the use of mobile telephones and in-vehicle communications technologies. In such an environment I am conscious of the need to be far-sighted on the drafting of section 3 so that it will be sufficiently broad-based and flexible to enable appropriate and speedy regulatory responses to driver distraction risks associated with these technologies without having to resort to primary legislation on each occasion. In light of the Second Stage debate in the Dáil we reviewed section 3 so as to be as satisfied as possible that its provisions are sufficiently robust and comprehensive to cater for future regulatory needs.

Arising from that review the Dáil approved ten Government amendments and one Opposition amendment to the section. These amendments are designed primarily to ensure section 3 will facilitate regulation-making in the future to deal with inappropriate and irresponsible driving practices associated with the use of communication and entertainment equipment, which is an important objective identified by both Houses. A number of the amendments relate to the prohibition of hand-held mobile telephones provided for in section 1(3) putting beyond doubt the status of Bluetooth, with which we are familiar, and other hands-free devices so that they do not come within the scope of the prohibition. The remaining amendments are designed to ensure that the definitions used in the section are sufficiently wide and comprehensive to remain relevant for regulation making in the longer term.