Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I seek leave of the House to take No. 13 on the Order of Business before No. 1 so that I can introduce and publish my Bill entitled transport (vehicle registration plate suppliers) Bill 2024, which will provide for some much-needed regulation in the area of manufacturing, selling and supplying vehicle registration plates. In its investigation of criminal activity, An Garda Síochána has encountered, including in County Kildare, what is known as number plate cloning, which is cloning and identity theft that implicates innocent car owners in vehicular crimes. Cloning involves finding and targeting a vehicle, copying or stealing its plates, and installing them on a vehicle of a similar make or model. Currently in Ireland, unlike other jurisdictions, one can get a number plate as conveniently and easily as buying a bar of chocolate or a bag of chips in a shop. That is not good enough. There is need for legislation to keep up with the criminals.

Second, I acknowledge the centenary of Naas Athletic Club. It celebrated 100 years in existence last weekend. It was not just celebrating the achievements of the past century but also recognising the spirit of community, local community, volunteerism and resilience that the club embodies. It was a wonderful opportunity to commend and acknowledge the countless individuals, past and present, who have contributed their time, energy and passion to cultivate a vibrant athletics community in Naas. We recognise the contribution of: my late father-in-law Jackie Cummins, a two-time Milbrook Cup winner and a former president of the Naas Athletic Club; the current chair, Bob Lawlor; the current president, Brian Dowling; five-time Milbrook Cup winner, Ted Keegan, whom it was great to see at the event at the weekend, which was very well attended; the late Jack Hartigan; the late Jack Garvey and all the Garvey families who are enshrined in that great club for the past 100 years; John Brady; Vincent Walsh; Brian Mullaney; and Willie Noone. Women have been to the fore in that great success story over the past 100 years as well - international athletes of the highest standing such as Evelyn McNelis, Liz Hogan and Cera Nolan. It was a wonderful location to celebrate all that is good about community, camaraderie, volunteerism and resilience. I look forward to the next 100 years for that brilliant, vibrant club.