Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I requested an awareness campaign before Christmas and a press release was issued. We need to do something more substantive than that. I welcome the announcement the Minister has made today because it has to be a cross-agency approach and it has to happen at national level. There have been minor attempts to do it locally in local communities. Many of us experienced that in our own constituencies. There is a need for change in the law, particularly on awareness. There is a strong case for introducing legislation to prohibit the sale of these vehicles unless there is evidence provided of insurance, tax and driving licences. We need a concerted and co-ordinated approach because too many lives are being put at risk. There have already been some deaths. There have been several serious injuries. It also contributes hugely to the level of anti-social activity in many of our housing estates. I hope the Minister will move ahead with that kind of cross-agency approach. There is a need for a task force. I hope the Minister will give consideration to setting up such a task force.

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