Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of illegal parking in designated disabled car parking spaces. Unfortunately, this problem seems to be on the increase throughout the country. The Garda in Monaghan has recently voiced concern at the increasing trend of able-bodied motorists parking in designated disabled car parking spaces, particularly in the evening and at weekends. This is a disappointing trend, which is very frustrating for those who need disabled parking spaces, for example, while visiting their general practitioner, GP, or calling into a pharmacist. If a space is taken, people are unable to park and are forced to drive off. As Senators will be aware, the fine for anyone caught parked in a disabled parking spaces is €150. This growing trend indicate that the fine is not heavy enough and may need to be reviewed.

At a recent meeting of Monaghan County Council, a local independent councillor, Mr. Paudge Connolly, suggested that we should consider allocating penalty points to those who are found parking in disabled spaces to try to stamp out this trend. I support that proposal. This issue needs to be addressed. I ask the Leader to bring it to the attention of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross.

I join my colleagues in expressing sympathy on the death of former Deputy Seymour Crawford. Yesterday in Newbliss, the people of County Monaghan bade their final farewell to Seymour, affectionally known as "the Gentle Giant". He served his community, both as a county councillor and a Member of the Lower House for almost 20 years. Seymour was a decent, honourable man who was highly respected throughout County Monaghan and the Cavan-Monaghan constituency. I join others in extending my deepest sympathy to the extended family of the late former Deputy Seymour Crawford and to the Fine Gael Party in County Monaghan which has lost an honest, decent individual and member.