Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the officials for their attendance. It is somewhat disappointing that the Minister, Deputy Ross, is not here.

I welcome the regulations in regard to non-motorised rickshaws. They are very similar to those that Deputy Troy and I suggested. However, Ms Nic Lochlainn did not make clear in her opening statement why it will not be permissible for motorised rickshaws to be used as public service vehicles and the regulations will apply only to non-motorised rickshaws. The statement outlines that slower vehicles are safer. What is the implication of that logic for cars, motorbikes, taxis and other vehicles? Is that the only reason for that decision?

The statement refers to enforcement issues. It states: "With a motor attached, the rickshaw is a mechanically propelled vehicle and subject to certain road traffic laws like any car." Does that imply that motorised rickshaws are subject to the same regulations as taxis? If that is the case, what is the problem? I originally raised that issue because the vehicles were uninsured, unlicensed and unregulated. I ask Ms Nic Lochlainn to clarify those issues.

A document with which I was presented this afternoon states that it is not proposed to license motorised rickshaws to carry passengers for reward but, in line with Ireland's EU obligations, it will be permissible to drive motorised rickshaws with EU-type approval for personal use. How is public safety served by permitting the driving of motorised rickshaws for personal use but not for reward? How is it proposed to monitor that?

Ms Nic Lochlainn raised the issue of a rickshaw being a mechanically-propelled vehicle once a motor is attached. According to the statement, this is "challenging when it comes to enforcement since it is so hard to be certain about the type of vehicle involved in advance of taking any enforcement action." However, it is obvious whether a rickshaw is motorised as the driver does not have to pedal furiously to get from one place to another and can attain higher speeds. I ask Ms Nic Lochlainn to explain the rationale behind that statement. It is not clear why the Minister proposes to ban motorised rickshaws. The reasons given do not add up.

Ms Nic Lochlainn mentioned the importance of the consultation process in drafting the legislation. Rickshaw drivers did not engage in the initial consultation, so a separate consultation or process was conducted with them. I ask that the details of that process be provided to the committee. Did it involve more rickshaw owners or drivers? Ultimately, rickshaw drivers have the most to lose under the Bill. I seek clarity on the rationale behind the Minister's decision to ban motorised rickshaws and regulate non-motorised rickshaws.