Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

At the outset and to be parochial, I would mention the N24 bypass of Tipperary town. The Minister of State might be able to put in a good word for it.

I would like to speak about the creation of a new classification of a vehicle to facilitate the use of e-scooters and similar devices. Of course, we need to give them a classification of their own to provide legal clarity on the conditions of their use but there are still some issues that may remain unresolved. For example, the Minister has previously told the transport committee that it was his intention to propose that these vehicles, which will be defined from here on, as powered personal transporters, may be used in cycle tracks and bus lanes but would not be allowed in pedestrianised areas, national roads or motorways. Apart from larger urban areas, there are many towns and villages across the country that do not have infrastructure that includes cycle tracks and bus lanes.

The choice of locations for using these vehicles is already limited in many areas of the country, which is surely a contributing factor to their use on footpaths. This is of particular concern to many people, especially older people, disabled pedestrians and those with limited mobility. We hear reports all the time of people having near misses when these devices are used on footpaths, with pedestrians having to jump out of the way to avoid being hit. There has been much discussion on this matter in local media in my constituency this week, with real concern being expressed about the safe use of such powered personal transporters, PPTs. I would appreciate any comments the Minister of State might make in this regard and on the safety of pedestrians in general, particularly those with limited mobility. Her views on the provision of the infrastructure she referred to in areas where it is sadly absent would also be welcome.

While I understand e-bikes and e-scooters will be subject to legislation that prohibits drink-driving or speeding, policing their safe use will add to the work of traffic wardens and members of the Garda. Has the Minister of State made provision for that added workload and has she examined how PPTs can be used safely in rural areas?

Regarding insurance, the Bill gives legal clarity that PPTs such as e-scooters and e-bikes may be used without the need for registration, tax, licensing and insurance conditions, as are necessary for the use of multipurpose vehicles, MPVs. In the event of a collision, how does the Minister propose that the issue of compensation be managed if the user of such a vehicle is not in a financial position to pay for the damage or injury done? Is this going to add to the work of the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland? In its submission, TII recommended that e-scooters should be licensed and insured under a similar system to those operating in Germany and Belgium. What is the Minister of State's view on that recommendation?

The Bill includes a provision that will make it an offence to give a false declaration when applying for certain kinds of permits under the Road Traffic Act 1994. This aims to stop fraudulent applications, particularly for disabled parking permits. This provision is welcome. As we are all aware, permits of that nature are for an express purpose and are not meant to be a way for opportunists to secure easier parking. I welcome action in this regard. Will the Minister of State give consideration to how legally obtained permits are being used by people to whom they are not issued when the named person is not present?

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