Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I was not entirely clear prior to the Senator's contribution about the rationale for the amendment. Section 24 provides that offences under the bus licensing regime can be prosecuted by the authority or by a member of the Garda Síochána. This recognised the general enforcement role of the Garda Síochána in regard to breaches of legislation in the State and is highly appropriate, particularly given the interaction of bus services and the general public. The Minister is not disposed to accepting the amendment on the basis that the proposed involvement of gardaí in the enforcement regime is both desirable and consistent with other legislative regimes, and gardaí always had an enforcement role in this area. However, having heard the point made by Senator Ryan and the element in regard to drafting, I will raise it with the Minister with a view to his considering it in advance of Report Stage. If an issue arises I will ask him to address it.