Mr. Drew Harris:

I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy. Policy has been written to allow for both pursuit and the use of vehicle immobilisation devices, otherwise known as stingers, to puncture tires. Hitherto, there had been policies in place up until 12 months ago where these tactics were not to be used against two-wheeled vehicles. Given the prevalence of the use of Surron-type electric bikes by individuals engaging in antisocial behaviour and the movement of drugs, however, this is not a sustainable position.

We are also looking into experience in jurisdictions regarding the pursuit of motorbikes. We will have a new helicopter with us very shortly. This is a far safer approach because you have a planned operation to pursue motorbikes. I do not have the details with me but there have been huge efforts, particularly in the Dublin metropolitan region but also elsewhere, to seize these types of bikes and vehicles. If I have the opportunity to supply such information to the committee, it will give the scale of what has been done regarding enforcement.

We have also invested in the examination of scooters because some can do far in excess of the speed they are allowed to do. We have also issued instructions to the organisation regarding some electric bikes that do not have peddles and are, in effect, mechanically propelled vehicles which require insurance and registration. We can seize such vehicles where they are not insured.

We have an array of powers and we recognise the dangers of these vehicles, the antisocial behaviour and their involvement in crime. It is not an area we want to leave unpoliced; we cannot do that.