Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise legislation we passed here recently on the powers of gardaí. I hosted a meeting with small businesses in Limerick recently with the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, when she was in Limerick.One of the major issues raised was the use of scrambler bikes for crime and intimidation. I compliment An Garda Síochána because, yesterday, 39 gardaí and some of the armed response unit seized more than 44 scrambler bikes and number of arrests were made. The bikes were not being used in a safe way. People were being intimidated. People riding them were wearing balaclavas and whatever else. We often pass legislation and wonder where it goes. Legislation that was passed recently was used successfully yesterday. I compliment An Garda Síochána on the thorough work carried out. We often criticise it. The Garda listened when the matter was raised as being of concern to small businesses. It is important that we support and listen to small business owners. The right decision was made yesterday.