Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some excellent probing questions have been asked and need to be answered. It is obvious that people have thought about these issues. I welcome the Minister's change of mind. He originally intended to ban all of these vehicles. I am glad he will not do so. I welcome the decision to provide for strict and fair regulation of them. It is very important that they are properly regulated. During the initial discussions we had some months ago, it was suggested that certain substances which are abused tend to be sold from these vehicles or by people who use them. Like many others, I made the point that the drug problem is a serious issue and a matter for Garda enforcement. If people are breaking the law, they should be apprehended regardless of where they are or what they are driving. I welcome the Department's clear assertion in its opening statement that it would be unfair to include all rickshaw drivers in the law-breaking category. It is clear that they are not all engaged in this activity. I welcome the clarification in that regard. I also welcome the recognition that driving rickshaws can be a way of earning a useful income for students and people who may be unemployed. It can make a difference for such people as they seek to meet the cost of living, etc.

I would be happy for the witness to answer the questions although I know there are a lot of them. If she wants to put them in the order in which members asked them, or whatever she thinks is reasonable, members can come in and out as they wish. We will get through the business.