Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. Deputy Brabazon has consistently raised in the House the issue of how the regulations are currently operating in respect of e-scooters and scrambler bikes. He referenced how some of these new vehicles are being utilised as part of criminal enterprises, particularly the utilisation of young minors in the distribution of drugs. This is a very serious issue which demands a review of the entire regulatory framework governing scramblers and e-scooters. There are positives too, particularly for the elderly population in terms of people getting access and go up hills and so on. However, it merits a review because many negative aspects have happened as a result of their deployment.

Deputy Bacik raised the issue of the IPAS site in Coolock. The Minister made a decision in that regard. In my view it made sense in the overall context. We need to move to State-owned and State-controlled facilities. That is the direction of travel from here onwards.

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