Ceann Comhairle urges rethink in Dáil road traffic Bill filibuster

MICHAEL O’REGAN

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has urged TDs engaged in a filibuster delaying the passage of the controversial Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill to rethink their strategy.

He told the Dáil on Wednesday night that while the filibuster could be used as a tactic in the House, they should consider “if it was the best use of parliamentary time’’.

Independent TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae, Mattie McGrath and Michael Collins called several votes on amendments they had moved and those moved by Minister for Transport Shane Ross.

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In all cases, they failed to make up the required number for the vote to go ahead.

They have argued that the Bill puts motorists in rural Ireland at a disadvantage because of the lack of public transport.

The Bill, which provides for an automatic driving ban for first-time offenders driving with excess alcohol, is having a prolonged and chaotic passed through the Dáil.

Last month, Leas Cheann Comhairle Pat “The Cope’’ Gallagher suspended the House amid heated exchanges about the Bill.