Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cyclist/Motorist Offences.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

215 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice if he has satisfied himself with regulations governing the use of walkman units by drivers of motor vehicles and bicycles; and the number of prosecutions brought against cyclist/motorists for such offences.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

216 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the number of prosecutions by the gardaí during 1990 against drivers of motor vehicles for using a mobile handset while in control of a motor vehicle.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no specific provisions under the road traffic laws prohibiting the use of personal stereo and car telephone units by drivers of moving vehicles. The question of the introduction of any statutory provision in this regard, is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment.

I am informed by the Garda authorities, however, that the use of these devices in moving vehicles may on occasion give rise to breaches of the law such as dangerous driving and driving without due care and attention. Where such breaches of the law are detected by the Garda, the individuals concerned are prosecuted in accordance with normal procedures. Because of the way statistics are maintained by the Garda authorities, it is not possible to indicate the number of such prosecutions instituted by the force which resulted from the use of these devices in moving vehicles.