John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. Quad bikes and scramblers are dangerous and a nuisance and their use is illegal. I regularly attend joint policing committee meetings where the Garda has clearly indicated that the crux of the problem is that it cannot enforce road traffic laws. Gardaí are not physically in a position to stop quads and scramblers. Whether on the roads or in the parks, the same physical challenges are there. It is both dangerous for gardaí and those on the quads and scramblers.

We need to look at the issue in a different way. For example, we need to look at the regulations and legislation concerning the registration and ownership of these vehicles. We also must look at how these vehicles can be seized after an event on intelligence led information. In cases where the Garda and people in an estate know who are using these vehicles, we must ensure follow-up operations can take place without jeopardising and putting at risk the life and safety of either gardaí or those who are illegally using them.

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