I ask the Minister to urgently consider this matter. If the voluntary code worked, it should have shown greater results now. There has been much publicity, discussion and radio and television coverage on this issue. The objects which trade as bicycles are so high tech that they are unrecognisable from the old bike, "the high Nelly". Seat belts are needed in cars and helmets are needed on motorbikes, even on the low cc motorbike. Yet, many pedal bicycles can now travel faster than some lower volume motorbikes.
It is time for the Minister to show his hand in this area. Experts have discussed and debated it, we have gone around in circles. Without compulsory measures, we will be unable to get children to comply. I have no difficulty if the law is applied to the entire community — although I baulk at dictating to adults where it is unnecessary — but we must protect our children from the machines they are using.
We must not forget that one does not require a licence to ride a bicycle or that children do not need to produce evidence to show they know the rules of the road, a publication which costs £2, a large portion of the £15 required for a helmet. The rules of the road should be free or should cost 20p or a nominal sum. We have no way of assessing children who cycle these high tech bicycles, particularly at Christmas and in the New Year, and such bicycles are still in great demand. Great pleasure is derived from the use of the bicycle and there are also health and environmental benefits. However, we do not know whether the child, particularly the younger child, knows the rules of the road or can handle the machine. We should at least protect their heads, one of the most vulnerable parts of the body.
Sufficient thought should have been given to this matter and the talking should stop. We need compulsory measures, although I do not envisage our courts full of ten year old children being prosecuted for not wearing a helmet. There are better carrot and stick ways to do it. A new provision for impounding is contained in this Bill. If a bicycle was impounded for one month and not returned until the child produced a helmet at the local Garda station — although one helmet might cover several bicycles because children have ingenious ways of getting around these things — young people, and indeed adults, would know we meant business. This could be done.
Regarding on the spot fines, although the child would not have money, parents would have to pay a nominal fine of £5 each time the child was spotted not wearing a helmet. Three fines totalling £15 would cover the cost of a helmet and this would make people buy them. It could be included in the on the spot fines. There is no question of hauling young people into court. I ask the Minister to consider protecting people from themselves when it comes to riding and, particularly, cycling on roads because it involves a greater number of the community.