Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy MacSharry read out my press release on the matter, which goes to show my commitment to the issue. I have been committed to this issue for two years. We need to be future-focused and facing forward in our transport policy and recognise that more than 5,000 of these devices are being used in and around Dublin. That number will only grow. Accordingly, we need to recognise the legislative challenges these vehicles pose and the grey area they inhabit. We must recognise that a legalised and regularised regime needs to be put in place. That means, for example, no usage on footpaths, the setting of a speed limit for their use and many of elements set forward in the Fianna Fáil Bill.

The Government amendment to the motion that the Bill be now read a Second Time is quite reasoned. Putting a three-month time limit on the progress of the Bill from Second Stage to allow for the consultation process to conclude is a reasonable compromise. I am glad we are moving forward and taking action on this issue.

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