I would like to join other speakers who spoke on the proposals to introduce on-the-spot fines for cyclists who flout traffic laws. As Senator Jim D'Arcy said, an on-the-spot fine of €50 will be issued in three circumstances: where cyclists cycle on the footpath, break a red light or partake in dangerous overtaking. The introduction of such a fine is long overdue. We have given cyclists improved facilities around cities, with bike lanes, shelters and tax incentives to purchase bikes, and the Dublin Bikes scheme has been a huge success, but these improvements also come with responsibilities, now that there are more people on our roads. It is beyond the time when the voluntary approach to regulating cycling is effective. Cycle tourism is a major development nationwide and regulation needs to be enforced on cycling, as in the case of initiatives such as the Greenway, which have been hugely successful. The Taoiseach's interest in cycling is a positive thing-----

Hear, hear.

-----because we lead by example when it comes to cycling and such matters. Cycling is regularly done at weekends, when most people are free of ordinary work. With more and more cyclists choosing to commute, which is a great development and something I would like to see more of, these laws are necessary and will ensure that cyclists are safer. I would like the funds that will be collected to be put to use to build more cycle lanes, such as the one along the Grand Canal, where cyclists are safely and properly separated from the road by a small ridge and where they have their own traffic signalling facilities. Such funds raised could be invested to improve the cycling network.

From a legal point of view, I have regularly been involved in cases in which a cyclist was the real reason an incident occurred but because of our legal system and the way insurance works in this country, drivers are generally held responsible because they are the ones with pockets, so to speak, in term of litigation. Such cases result in the hiking up of premiums. Cycling is an important area to regulate.