New chairman of the Road Safety Authority Gay Byrne was criticised for remarks he made about possible delays by the Opposition in the passage of the Road Traffic Bill.
Labour transport spokeswoman Róisín Shortall said she was "incredulous" when she heard him say "that the legislation needed to be passed as quickly as possible and could be passed before the summer provided the Opposition parties did not choose to play games on the issue".
The Bill provides for mandatory roadside breath testing, banning mobile phones and using private companies to operate speed cameras.
Describing Mr Byrne's comments as "unfortunate" Ms Shortall asked "how long have we waited for this legislation. For years, Opposition members have called for its introduction.
"Now, three weeks before the summer recess when deputies finally have an opportunity to debate the legislation, the chairman of the Road Safety Authority makes the unfortunate comment that all will be fine provided no one holds it up."
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen, who introduced the Bill, said "in fairness to Mr Byrne, I do not believe he referred specifically to the Opposition".
Fine Gael spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said "he used the term 'the other shower'."
Mr Cullen said his "heart is in the right place". Ms Shortall said his comments were unfortunate.
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