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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 May 1967

Vol. 228 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance of Pillion Passengers.

14.

asked the Minister for Local Government why it is not compulsory for a pillion passenger on an auto-cycle to be covered by insurance; and if, in view of the fact that an accident involving a pillion passenger could result in a claim for thousands of pounds, he will take steps to provide that the father of a 16 year old youth who owns an auto-cycle or scooter with a pillion, or the youth himself, must have insurance cover for a pillion passenger in view of the likelihood that he may carry passengers even if directed by his father not to do so.

The Road Traffic Act, 1961 and the Road Traffic (Compulsory Insurance) Regulations, 1962, made thereunder, extended the scope of compulsory passenger cover to motor vehicles constructed primarily for the carriage of passengers and to station wagons, estate cars and other similar vehicles which are constructed or adapted for alternative purposes including the carriage of passengers. Motor cycles, including "auto-cycles", were excluded. Careful consideration was given to the question of extending compulsory cover to include pillion passengers but it was decided that on balance it was not advisable to do so. Factors taken into account included the following, viz: to extend compulsory cover to pillion passengers would involve for all motor cycles capable of carrying a pillion passenger premium rates which would be prohibitive, and the possibility that such an extension would further encourage the carrying of pillion passengers.

To take the steps the Deputy suggests would involve extending compulsory passenger cover to motor cycles. This I do not intend to do. But I appeal to parents to ensure that, before providing their children with a machine of the type mentioned by the Deputy, the children will be sufficiently responsible to comply with their parents' directions as to the use of it.

The Minister mentioned that premium rates would be prohibitive. Can he give us any indication of what the average premium rates might be in pounds?

I do not think I have that. I have not got any indication of what it actually is.

Would the Minister not consider the desirability of making it illegal to carry a passenger on a motorcycle pillion, if the motorcycle is not insured against that hazard?

That, I believe, is the position.

It is illegal if they are not insured against it?

I am reasonably sure that is so.

(Cavan): Is the Minister sure that is the case? Is he telling the House it is illegal for a person to ride a motorcycle with a pillion passenger if the passenger is not insured?

That is my understanding. If the Deputy thinks it is not so, I will check up.

(Cavan): The Minister should.

Does the carrying of a pillion-passenger nullify existing insurance on a motorcycle?

We are all concerned towards the same end. I take it the Minister would favourably consider, if the present situation is that an irresponsible youth can carry a pillion passenger without insurance, making it illegal to do so.

If that is the position, I believe it should be.

Questions Nos. 15, 16, 17 and 18 postponed.

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