Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to raise the issue of those who need to renew their driving licence. The situation is now at a critical stage as some people are driving without a licence. If one drives without a licence, one is not insured. Some people need their licence to be able to drive to work, but some others need an up-to-date licence as part of their work. I note the Minister ensured people over the age of 70 can register online for a licence, but there will still be a backlog in that area. I ask that the Minister immediately look at this issue and grant some sort of amnesty in respect of expiring or expired driving licences for a short period of time until the backlog is cleared or something can be done. It is a farcical situation.

On Standing Order 31, arising from the most recent meeting of the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges it is proposed to delete the Standing Order without debate. It is a very important tool for Members which allows them to raise issues on Thursdays for two minutes. It is proposed that the Standing Order will be deleted. Some Senators who may not be aligned to a group or party may not contribute on the Order of Business but can use this tool to raise particular issues of importance with the agreement of the Cathaoirleach for a two-minute period at 12 noon on Thursdays. I ask the Leader to consider this issue. It would be a retrograde step to remove Standing Order 31.