Seanad debates

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Road Transport Bill 2011: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

3:00 pm

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

While this is a difficult issue, I can understand where the Senator is coming from. Where this takes effect is if a person has a new conviction. It is not something that would be done arbitrarily. If a person who already has a licence is convicted of human trafficking, a serious sexual offence, murder or money laundering, the Minister is then empowered to withdraw or suspend the licence right away. If the amendment, as proposed by the Senator, was accepted by me, that would allow that person to appeal to the District Court and, effectively, retain the licence for months while the appeal is being held. In a different circumstance I could accept the amendment on the basis that one wants to give a person the right of appeal to the District Court any time a licence is suspended. People have the right to a stay on the withdrawal of the licence in such circumstances, but this will arise in different circumstances where someone has been convicted of one of these serious offences. That is when the licence will be withdrawn or suspended.

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