Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

If the Deputy gives me the judgment, I will certainly ask my officials to look at it and to see what are the implications. I accept there appears to be a problem. People are not just raising it for the good of themselves or to pander to a group because it is coming from all areas. I will examine it seriously to see if we can address it.

I have made some commitments to at least one voluntary group of councillors to see what they are doing in this respect. The Deputy is aware of this document, Scramblers and Quads - Know the Info. Even if there is no need for legislation, we might get a clearer view of this when we get the statistics and the European Court judgment. In the meantime, I will support those groups who provide information leaflets on this matter. Voluntary groups can play a strong and useful role in this. The Scramblers and Quads- Know the Info pack is different from what usually tends to come from Departments, namely, the Garda has enough enforcement powers and come back again in three months. Instead, this document states certain actions can be taken while outlining the right equipment, the right vehicles, the law, the right training and the right environment. It makes a positive community effort to tell parents how to behave if their children are riding these particular vehicles and the safety measures which should be taken. If we cannot reach a legislative solution to this or if powers are available but are not being used or enforcement is not as great as possible, I will support voluntary groups.

In the meantime, I am due to meet the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality on this particular issue. I will raise Deputy Ellis's specific concerns with her then.

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