Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives of the RSA for their attendance. I compliment them on the work they do. Following on from the questions of Deputy Lowry in respect of testers, is it not time for testers to wear a body camera for their own protection as well as to provide feedback for the organisation with regard to how tests are being run?

The year before last, I took to the streets of Dublin on a bicycle purely because I had been critical of cyclists and was challenged to do it. Cycling around the streets of Dublin was taking my life in my hands. It was absolutely frightening. I compliment the Government and the various county councils on the greenways that are being put in place around the country. Cycleways are needed desperately. Bearing that in mind, is there any prospect of the RSA running cycle training courses in national schools? I am thinking of a person or a group of people travelling around the country to deliver one-week programmes that would help kids to sort of get into the essentials of cycling. It is not as simple as putting one's leg over the crossbar of a bicycle and taking off, although far too many people think that is what it is about.

Mr. Rowland addressed the issue of e-scooters. I have serious concerns about them. In my part of south Dublin, there are three or four people who commute on a single-wheel vehicle without handlebars. I have no idea how they brake, take corners or anything else. These vehicles have a single wheel. The rider stands on a sort of a platform with one foot on either side of the wheel. What is the legality of such vehicles? Where do they fit in with regard to road safety?

Cars have changed drastically since my day when we had crash gearboxes and God knows what else. Today, cars are such a gathering of technology that it is not funny. All cars now have satellite systems, reversing cameras and parking sensors. Cars have sensors such that the driver is warned of oncoming cars when opening the door and is warned when changing lanes. When is the driving test going to be brought up to speed to meet the technology? I sometimes think the technology might have reached a stage whereby it has lulled us into a false sense of security that we can do no wrong while behind the wheel of a car.

On the issue of the employment of testers, I am aware that several former military people wish to move to the RSA. They worked as highly skilled driving instructors in the military. The issue of pension abatement has stopped them taking public service jobs. Has the issue of pension abatement come across the desks of the witnesses at any stage?

I thank them for their time and appreciate any answers they can give me.