Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The law as it stands does not impede the establishment of barrier-free tolling. The whole purpose of this Bill, as I outlined on Second Stage, is to strengthen the enforcement mechanisms to facilitate the introduction of barrier-free tolling on tolled national roads. While I appreciate Senator Paddy Burke's point, amendment No. 1 would make barrier-free tolling compulsory on every tolled motorway in the State regardless of the circumstances. The legislation will allow us to do that but will also allow us to be selective, enabling us to introduce it where it is necessary. If I were to accept the amendment it would cut across the statutory independence of the National Roads Authority, which was established under the Roads Act 1993, and contractual arrangements entered into with all toll operators. The Bill is designed to strengthen the legislation but roads in the west are different from those in the north.

The amendment relating to the interoperability of electronic toll cards is equally important and very practical. It makes sense to use one card for all roads. The National Roads Authority is addressing the interoperability of electronic toll cards in this regard among various toll operators and I can confirm to the House that a fully interoperable electronic card will be available within not too many months. I hope that is acceptable to the House and to Senator Paddy Burke and I ask him to withdraw the amendment in that context. I have no difficulty with the principle of the amendment but negotiations are ongoing and will shortly result in one electronic toll card for all roads.