I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 151 on 31 January 2001 concerning the regulations governing the operation of horse drawn carriages in Dublin. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the regulations governing horse drawn carriages in Dublin are the Dublin Carriages Acts, 1853 – 1855. The following controls are in place: (a) Carriage Drivers: All drivers must be in possession of the following – carriage drivers licence; carriage drivers badge; and a copy of the Dublin Carriage By-laws 1846 (SI 198 of 1946), (b) Carriage Licences: All carriages must display at all times the following – carriage licence; Dublin carriage plate; and a plate containing owner's name and address. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that while licensing of the drivers and carriages is a matter for the Garda Commissioner there is no legal obligation to have insurance on these vehicles, nor is it mandatory. The Garda recommend to operators that they should have public liability insurance. The question of insurance relating to vehicles damaged by carriages or injury to persons would be a matter for the parties involved and open to civil suit.
In relation to the need for compulsory insurance as proposed by the Deputy, the present position is that my Department is in correspondence with the Garda, the Departments of the Environment and Local Government and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to this matter. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments.
In relation to the situation in Killarney, I am informed by the Garda authorities that Killarney Urban District Council license the operation of jarveys in Killarney and the Garda have no statutory involvement.
