I move amendment No. 37: In page 53, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following: “(ba) undertake works to make improvements to the public realm in the vicinity of a road, in the interests of quality, accessibility and amenity,”

I move amendment No. 40: In page 54, to delete lines 10 and 11. Amendment No. 40 seeks to delete a particular circumstance where An Bord Pleanála could approve works that materially contravene development or local area plans where the works are of "strategic, regional or national importance". We have observed significant restrictions on the authority and power of local government in recent decades and we fear this provision will exacerbate this as it relates to permissions for large schemes and road development. Ir…

I will withdraw the amendment on the understanding that I may bring it forward again on Report Stage.

I move amendment No. 42: In page 54, to delete lines 23 to 26.

I move amendment No. 46: In page 55, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following: "(2A) Cameras operated by or on behalf of a road authority under this section shall not be equipped with facial recognition technology, and no data obtained using such cameras shall be processed by the road authority using facial recognition technology, or be passed to third parties for processing with facial recognition technology.". I will withdraw the amendment and discuss it with the Minister before Report Stage.

I move amendment No. 53: In page 55, line 36, to delete "may" and substitute "shall". These amendments propose a change in language to use "shall" instead of "may". We are seeking to strengthen safeguards around the use of facial recognition technology in the definition of CCTV. The amendments strengthen the provisions around how the Minister regulates the use of cameras and data from the cameras. The amendment proposes that the Minister "shall" rather than "may" make regulations. As I have outlined in regard to pr…

I appreciate the Minister's proposal. I will withdraw the amendment, with the right to resubmit it on Report Stage.

I move amendment No. 57: In page 56, line 28, to delete “may” and substitute “shall”. I propose to withdraw the amendment at this point.

I move amendment No. 61: In page 57, line 30, after “to” to insert “protect and preserve semi-mature and mature trees and hedgerows, especially those older than twenty years, or”. This amendment seeks to include specific protection for mature trees and hedgerows in the amending of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. As we know, large-scale infrastructure projects and road development can often necessitate the removal and destruction of trees and hedgerows. This amendment would permit the Dublin Transport Autho…

I move amendment No. 62: In page 57, between lines 33 and 34, to insert the following: “(aa) any public local amenity,”.

I move amendment No. 63: In page 57, between lines 33 and 34, to insert the following: “(aa) the public realm, with particular reference to its quality, accessibility and functionality,”.

I move amendment No. 64: In page 57, line 34, after “parking” to insert “for persons with a disability”.

I move amendment No. 65: In page 59, line 22, to delete “desirable” and substitute “necessary”. The majority of these amendments are about language and the intention of language. Amendment No. 65 seeks to delete the word "desirable" and substitute "necessary". As it currently reads, the Bill states: "The National Roads Authority may provide in respect of national managed roads such information signs and warning signs as it considers desirable." It does not seem to be the most appropriate language to use. Really it …

I move amendment No. 66: In page 59, line 25, to delete “desirable” and substitute “necessary”.

I move amendment No. 67: In page 60, line 1, after “safety” to insert “or mobility”.

I move amendment No. 68: In page 60, line 2, after “users” to insert “, or which causes a nuisance to road users, especially vulnerable road users, in terms of accessibility and legibility”.

I move amendment No. 69: In page 60, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following: “(c) Where a regulatory sign is removed from a national managed road, the relevant local authority shall be notified of the removal.”,”.

I move amendment No. 70: In page 60, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following: “(c) Where a private individual removes or significantly alters a hedgerow, or other established growth in the vicinity of a national managed road, the relevant local authority shall be notified.”,”.

I welcome the Minister to the Chamber. I will start with a quotation: “It turns out, however, that the cost [of austerity] could be large – much larger than the benefit." That statement is not from a left-wing politician but from a report by International Monetary Fund, IMF, economists in the last few months. We have seen our health service spiral into what feels like an unprecedented disaster. It is devastating to see and feel the impacts on patients and medical staff as they struggle to navigate this crisis. I wa…

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh Gníomhaigh. It is lovely to see you here. I definitely miss you in the Chamber. I was doing a podcast during the week and we did a sketch where Mario Rosenstock was doing your voice and it was quite interesting. I felt like I was back with you for half an hour. I had to come in because I kind of feel like I was held hostage against my will. We are here to speak about two fine candidates running for office-----