Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
189. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 20 March 2018, the status of the work of the multi-stakeholder group and the meeting that was due to be held on 25 April. [18807/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a meeting between interested bodies and parties, on the issue of problem quad and scrambler use, took place on 25 April, as scheduled; if so, the steps and timelines to address the ongoing issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 197 together.
I can inform the Deputy that a cross-agency meeting took place at my Department on 25 April 2018. The meeting was attended by officials from the Departments of Justice and Equality; Transport, Tourism and Sport; Housing, Planning and the Environment; and Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; An Garda Síochána; the Road Safety Authority; and the Revenue Commissioners. My Department also met separately with a representative from Dublin City Council on 23 April.
As the Deputy is aware, a multi-agency approach is required to tackle this anti-social issue effectively. The purpose of the cross-sectoral meeting was to ascertain whether there are additional legislative or other solutions, which can assist in dealing with this the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes more comprehensively, with a view to determining responsibility and timeframes for implementation of solutions identified.
I am advised that the meeting took account of a range of perspectives on the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes, and also considered the experiences currently being encountered in tackling this matter.
By way of next steps, legal advice will be sought by my Department from the Attorney General's Office in relation to the interpretation of various pieces of legislation identified at the meeting to determine whether any legislative amendments are necessary to assist in curbing anti-social activity insofar as scramblers and quad bikes are concerned.
My officials also intend to consult further with local authorities in the context of the positive engagement fostered by local authorities with local communities, examples of which include community and youth-centred projects, such as the Dunsink Horse Project and the Mulhuddart Motocross Club. The experiences of local authorities involved in these and other projects will be very informative to my Department in terms of assessing the contribution that such approaches can make to reducing the misuse of these vehicles.
As the Deputy will also be aware, an important element of this issue is the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes by children. 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. In this regard, I am advised that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) intends to run a safety campaign later this year with the aim of discouraging those who may consider purchasing scramblers or quad bikes as Christmas presents for minors. I might add that the RSA targets road safety awareness campaigns at young people throughout the school curriculum.
I remain committed to actively supporting any positive actions that can be pursued to counteract the serious public safety issues associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes.
