Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As there are so many people using these vehicles I acknowledge there is a need for speed in clarifying the situation. I hope to do this today. The emergence of these vehicles, and other such vehicles, is an example of a case where the legislation, while unambiguous as it stands, needs to be reconsidered in the light of new developments, such as those we currently speak of. Any possibility of change in the legislation would first and foremost have to consider the safety of the people using these vehicles and the wider public. It is clear that there are implications for public safety in the use of these vehicles. Where they are driven on a public road they are extremely vulnerable. When driven on a pedestrian or cycle path they can pose dangers to legitimate users on those paths. As Deputy Rock said, I acknowledge that consideration by the Road Safety Authority is the right place for this to see what should be done and what legislative changes are required. When the authority has concluded its examination and reported on it I will consider that report. If any legislation is required I will introduce it as quickly as possible.

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