Speech in Final Stage of Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Bill

Speech by David Ford MLA delivered to Northern Ireland Assembly on Tue 1st Dec 2009

Supporting the Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Bill, Alliance Leader, David Ford MLA said: "One example of what happens in this place when a good Bill is made better by a Committee is that there is nothing left to say when the Bill reaches Final Stage. If one happens to be the sixth Member to speak in the debate, one has even less to say. I shall, nonetheless, do my best to say a few words.

"I welcome the fact that we have reached the Bill's Final Stage and have done so with such unanimity around the Chamber. In that context, it is right that Committee members, especially old, grey-haired, bearded veterans of two Committee Bills, so far, should thank the current Minister, the former Minister Arlene Foster - I am not sure that the one who came between them was necessarily as enthusiastic for the Bill as has been suggested - departmental officials and Committee staff for the good work that they did together to ensure that a good bit of proposed legislation will be even better in its implementation.

"Key issues needed to be addressed - for example, road safety and having a level playing field for legitimate freight transport operators in Northern Ireland who, at present, suffer due to the behaviour of others who observe the law somewhat less than they should and get through loopholes in the inadequate current law. It is therefore welcome that the Bill was introduced by Arlene Foster and completed by Edwin Poots.

"Of course, the issue is not just to pass the Bill through the House today. As the Deputy Chairperson of the Committee has already highlighted, enforcement of the Bill's provisions is also significant. A major issue remains to be followed through with regard to secondary legislation. Therefore, although it is a pleasure to see the Bill team smiling and happy at your end of the Chamber, Mr Speaker, I trust that we will not detain them too long and that they will be back at their desks to prepare the secondary legislation that is now needed. I wish the Minister good speed in taking that forward."

Related Link:

[Hansard 1 Dec 2009 | Final Stage of Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Bill]