Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Legislation Governing Motorcycles.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

254 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he is giving consideration to changing the current restriction on motorcyclists, whereby they are only permitted to use certain categories of motorcycles for two years after passing their driving test; if his attention has been drawn to the Motorcycle Action Group's proposal that this restriction should be lifted for those over 21 years of age and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17736/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

Novice riders of category A motorcycles are restricted to riding and gaining experience on lower-powered motorcycles, power output not exceeding 25 kW or a power-weight ratio not exceeding 0.16kW/kg, before being given access to riding higher-powered motorcycles. This restriction applies for the period of the provisional licence in category A and for a period of two years after the grant of a category A driving licence.

These arrangements are considered desirable in the interests of road safety and against the background of the disproportionately high accident-fatality rate of motorcyclists in Ireland compared to other categories of road users. Consequently Ireland did not avail of the option under Directive 91/439/EEC on driver licensing of allowing direct access to higher powered motorcycles at age 21 years.

These progression arrangements for new motorcyclists will be kept under review in the light of the motorcycle accident and fatality rate and the impact of the motorcycle training initiative being undertaken by MAG Ireland with support from my Department.