Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department has also reached out to a number of local community groups in the context of positive engagement fostered with local communities. Department officials are also engaging with a number of overseas jurisdictions to inform further the multi-pronged approach required to deal with the serious anti-social and dangerous behaviour associated with the misuse of these vehicles. At the previous meeting of the task force in September, local authorities agreed to log all complaints and incidents regarding scramblers and quad bikes in open spaces and parks during the week beginning 17 September. That is to attempt to gauge the appropriate scale of the issue. The outcome of that exercise will be discussed at next week's meeting of the task force.

Arising from the task force's meetings, the road safety officers of each of the Dublin-based local authorities have agreed to organise a public awareness campaign urging parents not to purchase scramblers and quad bikes as Christmas presents for minors. In addition, the Road Safety Authority has agreed to bring forward a similar safety campaign.

The Minister echoes the Deputy's request on radio this morning for parents not to buy off-road vehicles for their children as Christmas gifts.

Road safety is a shared responsibility for all road users, not just An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority and other State bodies. The Minister and I urge anybody with information on this type of anti-social behaviour to contact local gardaí or the Garda confidential line on 1800 66611, a monitored freefone line that allows members of the public to contact An Garda Síochána with information of a confidential nature, or Crimestoppers on 1800 250025.

On behalf of the Minister, I acknowledge the genuine commitment of all agencies involved in endeavouring to effectively resolve the public safety concerns associated with the misuse of scramblers and quad bikes. The Minister will continue to closely monitor the cross-agency engagement. I again thank Deputy Rock for raising this matter.

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