Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
32. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress being made following the interdepartmental and agency meeting to deal with the problems caused by the illegal use of quads and scramblers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29640/18]
View answerThe issue of misuse of scramblers and quad bikes is one that is taken very seriously by the Government.
The Deputy is already aware that my officials convened a cross-agency meeting on the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes on 25 April 2018. Represented at the meeting were the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport; Housing, Planning and Local Government; and Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; An Garda Síochána; the Road Safety Authority; and the Revenue Commissioners. A separate meeting also took place with a representative from Dublin City Council on 23 April.
I asked my officials to arrange these consultations to identify whether there are additional legislative or other solutions which can assist in dealing with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes more comprehensively. I am informed that at this meeting, the issue of the misuse of scramblers within public parks was a particular point of focus.
My officials are now consulting further with local authorities in the context of the many examples of positive engagement fostered by local authorities with local communities, as a number of initiatives and projects are of potential interest insofar as the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes are concerned.
In the context of this engagement with local authorities, the Department recently participated in the first meeting of a newly established taskforce consisting of representatives of the Dublin local authorities, local Gardaí, and professional motocross sports. I understand that an invitation was also extended to local authorities from Meath and Wicklow to join this taskforce. At the taskforce meeting, the consensus was that a multi-pronged approach to tackling this issue is necessary, to include a consideration of enforcement, education and awareness-raising, relevant legislation, and the potential provision of designated facilities, where such vehicles could be used in a safe environment.
Following on from this meeting, officials in my Department are currently reviewing appropriate criminal justice legislation in order to ensure that Gardaí have the necessary powers at their disposal in order to deal with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes. The Department will also continue to liaise with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Road Safety Authority in relation to a planned campaign to discourage parents from purchasing these vehicles as gifts for minors. I would emphasise that the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under 16 and 17 (depending on the vehicle) constitute offences under accordance with Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004. I might add that the RSA targets road safety awareness campaigns at young people throughout the school curriculum.
I will continue to actively support any positive actions that can be pursued to counteract the serious public safety issues associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes.
