Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
250. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will bring forward legislation to prohibit the use of scramblers, quad bikes and other off-road mechanical vehicles in parks and amenity areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37602/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he will bring forward legislation to enable An Garda Síochána to seize scramblers, quad bikes and other off-road mechanical vehicles from those using them on roads and in parks and amenity areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37601/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 304 together.
I have emphasised my concerns on the Dáil record on several occasions in relation to the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes and the serious threat that these vehicles can pose to local communities. I thank the Deputy for his shared interest in this serious public safety concern.
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 Attorney Generals' Office, 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. I will be happy to provide the Deputy with a further update on this matter on receipt of a detailed consideration of this issue from the Attorney General's Office.
My officials are engaged in further consultations with local authorities and local community groups in the context of the positive engagement fostered by local authorities with local communities, such as the provision of a designated area where such vehicles could be used in a safe environment. In this regard, my Department participates in the taskforce on this issue established by the Dublin local authorities, which met on 21 June and, most recently, on 13 September 2018.
An important element of this issue is the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes by minors. The supply of mechanically propelled vehicles to persons under 16 and 17 (depending on the vehicle) constitute offences under Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004.
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.
