Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2018
41. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures he is taking to curb the sale or gifting of scramblers and other off-road vehicles to youths under 16 years of age; the number of such vehicles that were seized in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42194/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under the ages of 16 and 17 (depending on the vehicle) constitute offences in accordance with section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004.
My Department has consulted with a considerable number of Government Departments and public bodies over the past number of months to identify a number of relevant pieces of legislation, which have been brought to the attention of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), to determine whether any legislative amendments are necessary to assist in curbing activity insofar as scramblers and quad bikes are concerned, without giving rise to any unintended negative legislative consequences. The supply of scramblers and quad bikes to persons under 16 years of age has been highlighted by my Department as a key issue requiring careful consideration in this regard.
As part of my Department's consultations with other Government Departments and agencies, the importance of effective and targeted public awareness-raising has been acknowledged. I understand that the road safety officers from each of the Dublin local authorities have agreed to organise acampaign urging parents not to purchase scramblers and quad bikes as Christmaspresents for minors. In addition, the Road Safety Authority has agreed to bring forward a similar safety campaign.
In relation to the statistics sought by the Deputy I have requested a report from An Garda Síochána and I will be in contact with the Deputy again on receipt of this report.
