Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This amendment pertains to section 14 of the Bill and deals with the issue of maximum clamp release and relocation charges in non-statutory areas. It provides that the default charges of €100 and €50 for clamp release and vehicle relocation, respectively, can be varied by the Minister by order, following consultation with the NTA. This amendment is related to the amendment tabled by Senator Barrett on Committee Stage. This part of the Bill creates a default power for the Minister if the NTA does not make use of prescribing relevant charges. If it does not prescribe charges, section 14 permits a default charge to apply. This amendment gives the Minister greater power to determine the level of charge, as opposed to the original Bill which specified the level of charge and gave no power to the Minister to vary it. The default charges are a backup mechanism because it is my expectation that the NTA will make use of its new powers. This section seeks to create a power that would only be exercised if the NTA does not make use of the powers that are being granted to it and the amendment gives powers to the Minister of the day to vary the charges.