Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)

As I said last night, I support the Bill. There is a real change in mood on the part of young drivers in terms of their compliance with legislation. Will the Minister provide some figures indicating the age breakdown of persons found to be in charge of a motorised vehicle after consuming alcohol?

Deputy Mitchell referred to cyclists on the roads. Next week is Road Safety Week 2011. I am a cyclist and a strong supporter of cycling in the city. I assisted the current Lord Mayor, Mr. Andrew Montague, with the introduction of the Dublin bike scheme. The removal of heavy goods vehicles, HGVs, from the city has been a great success, resulting in an explosion in the use of bicycles in the city. This is also due to the last Government's cycle to work scheme. These have been positive elements in encouraging more people to use bicycles.

Unfortunately, a proportion of cyclists act irresponsibly and they have not been taken to task. A system of fixed charge penalties or on-the-spot fines is necessary. There are obvious problems with this because there is no necessity to carry identification. However, under current legislation, there are sufficient powers for the Garda to impose fixed charges on cyclists who cycle on footpaths, break red lights and so forth. This behaviour adds to the dangers on the roads and I ask the Minister to examine the matter. The majority of cyclists are responsible. but the next road traffic Bill will have to include a measure to provide for the enforcement of the rules on cyclists. If he has time, will the Minister find out the number of cyclists who have been prosecuted for cycling on footpaths? It is said this is a no-impact crime, but one should talk to people who were knocked down as they emerged from their front gate. It has led to hip replacements and periods in hospital. This is a serious matter.

Yes, we should fully support cyclists and encourage the use of bicycles, but with this comes responsibility. I urge the Minister to examine the issue.

See this speech in context