Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not want to be repetitive. In any event, the Acting Chairman will not let me.

I acknowledge the importance of the cross-departmental and cross-agency group. In the lead-up to Christmas, people will be buying quad bikes and scramblers as presents. These are mechanically propelled vehicles within the meaning of road traffic legislation. As such, irrespective of the engine capacity, the user of a scrambler motorbike, a quad bike or a vehicle of a similar type in a public place must have motor tax, an insurance policy and a driving licence and must wear a helmet. There are severe penalties under the road traffic laws, such as fixed charge notices, penalty points, fines and possible seizures of the vehicles. The Garda will make every effort to ensure that the existing law is firmly complied with. In the meantime, the cross-departmental group will meet this week with a view towards dealing with this issue in an overall comprehensive way which will involve several agencies and Departments. I am happy to keep the House further informed about this matter.

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