Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On a similar note, I wrote to the Minister on this issue last summer and I got a reply. This issue has been highlighted by people who have had bad experiences travelling in rickshaws. We know from other jurisdictions of the outrageous charges being demanded of people by the drivers of rickshaws. Rickshaws are not only a Dublin phenomenon, their use is spreading to other areas. Other colleagues have spoken about the lack of health and safety regulations that apply to this means of transport. Anybody can put a cart together and go out and seek business and he or she can charge anything he or she wants. There are no safety implications. Rickshaw drivers are renowned for travelling in pedestrian only areas. There is a lack of enforcement of regulations on their use. The local authorities are at a loss to know what to do about them. They are looking to us to give leadership on this. That needs to be done. There is anecdotal evidence of people having being injured and involved in crashes when being transported by rickshaws. The drivers have no insurance and no liability. That is very unfair when other transport users pay insurance and ensure their cars are roadworthy.

The use of rickshaws is an increasing phenomenon. Regardless of the drivers' backgrounds, and others have spoken about the danger posed by these individuals, people do not know who they are getting in beside when they travel by rickshaw. They do not know their background. At least there is some regulation of taxi drivers and other transport providers. This issue needs to be addressed. The Minister may say that this issue cannot be dealt with in this legislation but, if not, when will he address it? Clearly, it needs to be addressed.

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