Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Although I was unable to accept any amendments as the Bill progressed through the Seanad, I did make several commitments which I take this opportunity to reiterate. We agreed to make provision for a three-year look-back only in regard to penalty points in the service level agreements with insurers and to ensure the latter inform motorists when their records have been accessed for insurance purposes. I also committed to put the research we did on the issue of allowing motorists to turn left on a red light in the Oireachtas Library so that Members can examine it in their own time. We have also undertaken to have the Road Safety Authority conduct a cost-benefit analysis during 2014 of the introduction of aloclocks, for possible inclusion in future legislation. We also agreed that the next Bill will include the requirement that vehicles carry a breakdown pack, including a warning triangle, yellow vest and first aid kit. Finally, I agreed today to review the statistics which the RSA is required to collect and publish. Although I was not in a position to accept amendments, I am happy to honour these commitments.

I thank the RSA for its advice, the Garda for its guidance and the Office of the Attorney General for its assistance. I am grateful to my officials, Mr. Treacy, Ms Hayes and Mr. Timoney, for their work on this legislation in recent months. I thank Senators for their contribution to the debate, particularly those who engaged substantively with the Bill.