Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue. There are thousands more people cycling and walking now than in the past. People are more health-conscious, as one sees every day in the city. The Senator is quite correct to raise this issue and refer to personal responsibility. In terms of the law on road users, it is the same for those on bicycles as those driving cars. Everybody has to obey the rules of the road. Every day one sees people on bicycles driving through lights.

The time has come to examine the issue. The Road Safety Authority has made a major effort in terms of schools and educating people. As the Senator said, he raised the issue with his neighbour. What more can one do? Once cannot put it on for people in the evening and again in the morning. At the same time, there needs to be personal responsibility. While driving around the country, one sees people walking late at night wearing black jackets. Such people have to take responsibility for themselves.

The Senator is quite correct; if there is an accident, the people involved are affected. If a person is killed, that has an effect on families. The Road Safety Authority and the Department are examining the issue. At the current time, they do not feel it is something that should be compulsory, because it would be very difficult to implement such a law.