John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank Senators for their contributions to the debate on this Bill. As I emphasised on Second Stage, the Bill is technical in nature. Its primary purpose is to provide the legislative framework necessary to facilitate the transfer of non-national roads and the national vehicle driver file functions from my Department to the Department of Transport. This transfer will be effected by a transfer order to be made by the Government shortly. Drafting of the necessary transfer of functions order is well advanced and will be made to coincide with the commencement of the Bill.

I assure Senators that I will continue to have responsibility for the management of the local government fund following the transfer of functions. I also confirm that the full proceeds of motor tax and driver licence fees will continue to be paid into the fund. The local government fund will continue to provide substantial funding to local authorities for both general purpose grants and non-national roads grants.

I thank Senators for their co-operation in facilitating early consideration of the Bill so that the legal transfer of functions can be effected.