Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for what has been a very informative session. I will direct my first question to Ms Tinsley and Mr. Fulham. We know there are many issues that are not dealt with in the legislation and we understand the Minister intends to bring in regulations to address those issues. Do our guests have a perspective in terms of what should be included in the legislation and what can be adequately addressed in regulation? Does it make a difference?

My sense from the Government is that, largely, these vehicles are to be treated as being comparable with bicycles. A requirement for registration and insurance might be perceived as a barrier to access. Of course, the Government wants to realise the opportunity of these vehicles to get people out of their cars, ultimately, and for them to be part of the greater mix. If the issue of the sound was addressed - I am hearing clearly the concerns in that regard - and these vehicles were properly regulated in terms of where they can travel, the speeds they can go and the age restrictions, would that mitigate or address some of the issues relating to insurance and registration? Specifically on insurance, is it needed across the board? Is it just needed for the providers of shared schemes or for individuals as well?