Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise something that is an issue not just in my area, namely the ability of the Garda to chase criminals who are using fast electric bikes and other means of transport to deliver drugs. This is a major issue. I have raised it with local gardaí, who are anxious to deal with the problem. These vehicles are being used by criminals, for example, in parks that are surrounded by houses, to deliver drugs and carry on their trade. It is dangerous. There have been incidents in Kilbogget Park in my area, for example, where they hit and killed a dog. Gardaí are afraid to chase them because if they do, it ends up in a high-speed chase, the consequences of which can be very serious if the individual hits somebody or comes off the bike. I do not know what the answer is but I would like us to have a debate on this matter. We need to equip gardaí or give them the resources to deal with this major issue. We should certainly indemnify them in circumstances where they decide to chase someone.If people come off their bikes through their own bad actions, that should be their problem, rather than the problem of An Garda Síochána. We should consider a debate on that matter.

As today is 1 October, I wish to mention that this is National Breastfeeding Week. It is important to recognise Ireland has lower breastfeeding rates than it should. They are lower than those of most of our European neighbours. It is important we acknowledge that and do what we can to encourage breastfeeding. On Thursday morning, I will be pleased to welcome award-winning lactation consultant, Roisin Sullivan, who works for the HSE as a public health nurse in my own area, to the Houses. She is coming here with a number of breastfeeding mothers. They will be at the coffee dock in Leinster House 2000. I encourage as many people as possible to visit. It is about making this normal and something we see all the time. We do not see nearly enough of it. We should be doing what we can to encourage and normalise breastfeeding and accommodate people to breastfeed wherever they can.