Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1409. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will commence the section of the Road Traffic Act 2016 which will establish a regulation system for rickshaw vehicles in view of the recent concerns expressed by members of the public regarding this transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing consideration of proposals from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and legal advice which I received, I have decided not to commence Section 31 of the Road Traffic Act 2016.
However, I am proceeding with the drafting of Heads of a Bill to provide for a new Part to be inserted to the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 exclusively for the regulation of rickshaws. The approach will, amongst things, ensure that:
- the relevant interactions with the existing legislative framework under the 2013 Act for small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines), are properly integrated;
- the definition of 'rickshaw' will encompass all known types of rickshaw, in particular the most prevalent type of rickshaw in operation which has an electric motor which provides assistance to the person pedalling the rickshaw, and
- the principles and policies will be set out in primary legislation as to the matters which the NTA may provide for in regulations, thereby giving the NTA the necessary powers to regulate.
To inform the detailed drafting process I have also tasked the NTA with conducting a public consultation, as the views of key stakeholders and the public will be important in devising an appropriate regulatory regime for rickshaws. The consultation will, amongst other things, seek to elicit information on existing rickshaw operators in relation to the scale and type of operations and users' experience of rickshaws including fares charged and issues they have experienced, as well as operators'/drivers' and the public's views on how operators/drivers and vehicles should be regulated. The NTA intends to initiate the consultation process next week. Early consultation on proposals to legislate will mean that feedback can be used constructively and a broad consensus secured.
I share the concerns which have been raised about the need for regulation of rickshaws and it is my intention to progress the drafting of the Heads of a Bill without delay.
