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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Road Traffic Bill time allocation

Summary

Deputy Broughan objected to the limited Friday time for the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, arguing that victims’ families wanted the legislation finished and that more time was needed. The Chair said debate could not continue, noted only one amendment remained, and undertook to consult on the issue later that day.

Is the proposal for dealing with Wednesday's business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Thursday's business agreed to? Agreed. We do not have to consider Friday.

Comment on this

On Friday's business, I object to the fact that there is only an hour allocated to the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017. The Ceann Comhairle's colleague, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle stated we have had 15 or 16 hours already on this debate since 24 April. We are going into our third month of endless filibustering. If our colleagues from Kerry, Tipperary etc. will be present on Friday, we could at least give the Bill three and a half hours and get it finished. There are 153 Deputies or so in this House who want this legislation to be passed. We have vote after vote, filibuster after filibuster. We do not even have enough TDs to have an actual vote.

Comment on this

Be careful what you wish for.

Comment on this

We have had - seven, eight or ten times - the relatives and friends of victims of road carnage in the Gallery here, as the Ceann Comhairle will be aware because he chaired some of the debate. People are distressed at the disrespectful way the matter is being dealt with and there is an anxiety that we get this legislation on the Statute Book as soon as possible.

Comment on this

We cannot have a debate on the matter.

Comment on this

We are on the final amendment which in effect was already passed in a form proposed by Deputy Munster two years ago.

Comment on this

Please, Deputy.

Comment on this

Is it possible that we would have a proper debate to finish this Bill in a democratic way?

Comment on this

As I understand it, only amendment No. 29 is remaining, which has already been moved by the Minister. I would hope that one hour should be sufficient time in which to deal with that.

Comment on this

There is no chance. It is a recommittal. I sit with the Ceann Comhairle on the Committee on Procedure and it is time we looked at the issue of recommittals and the fact there are no time limits on speakers. The Ceann Comhairle and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle tried in a very democratic and professional way to get us through the Bill under the existing rules but we would need until lunchtime to try to finish this much needed legislation. What has happened with this Bill is bad for the reputation of this House. It cannot go on.

Comment on this

When we are consulting this afternoon on the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017, we will consult on that matter as well and will see if progress can be achieved. Is Thursday's business agreed? Agreed.

Comment on this