Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister were to travel to parts of my constituency - and he can go out there now if he wants - he would hear the buzzing noise of scrambler and quad bikes. This goes on from early in the morning to late at night. These bikes are used on main roads and green spaces, without the least bit of regard for pedestrians or other road users. Users do not wear helmets or high-visibility clothing. They tear up and down the streets on dark evenings. There are near misses everyday involving children or elderly people out with prams.

Last week the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force published a comprehensive report on the effects of crack cocaine in the area. The Minister probably saw it reported in the media. Even in that report, the bikes feature. According to the report, there is clear evidence that the bikes are being used to transport drugs and dealers are patrolling neighbourhoods on scrambler bikes as a way of staking out their territory and intimidating the entire community through their visibility and engine noise. I would like to think that the new Garda powers to stop and seize vehicles will enable them to be much more proactive in tackling this issue. It is a welcome move that will give them more powers to safeguard our streets, parks and green spaces. However, my worry is that the reluctance previously displayed by the Garda will continue. Members of the Garda are worried that they will end up in front of GSOC or in court. Therefore, there needs to be balance in this issue. We need assurances from the Minister that whatever legislation is passed in this House, there will be follow-up on it. We must ensure that we are not just going through the motions. Half the accidents involving quad bikes or scramblers involve children under the age of 18. Christmas is approaching, and we should all appeal to parents not to buy these vehicles. They are not toys. I ask parents not to buy them. If the only space available to drive a scrambler on is the local GAA pitch or a green space, then it is not safe or appropriate, and people should not do so.

The Bill also outlines what provisions people should supply when applying for a driver's licence, including "N" plates, and so on. There is common agreement on the fact that we need more driving instructors. I have raised this issue with the Minister directly previously. In my constituency in Tallaght, there are over 10,000 people on waiting lists. That represents 10% of the total of 66,000 on lists. Does the Minister have a plan to address this issue? It is a simple question. Is there a plan in place, and when does he expect to initiate that plan?

Finally, I wish to draw the his attention to the difficulties involved in trying to renew an expired licence during Covid. Drivers cannot get a licence renewal as they have to physically turn up in person to do so. This is impacting on many job applicants who need a licence. There is a notification on the National Driver Licence Service website, which states that the validity period of licences is being extended and they satisfy the law of the land, and just as important, insurance companies. Perhaps the Minister might address that. There is a lot of fear and concern out there. People are really worried that they are driving around illegally and that it will impact on them in the future.

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