Maria Byrne (Fine Gael)

I compliment everybody involved in President Zelenskyy's visit, including the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad and all of the team, as well as the staff of the Parliament as a whole. It was a very successful visit. Well done to all involved.

I wish to raise the issue of e-scooters and children under 16. It is illegal for children to ride e-scooters. Legislation was introduced to legalise the use of e-scooters on our roads, but many people on scooters do not wear helmets. There has been an increase in the number of children with acquired brain injuries as a result of e-scooter accidents. Last year, 25 children were admitted to children's hospitals who had suffered brain injuries in e-scooter accidents. The average length of stay for those children was up to 19 days in hospital and some of them are still being treated as outpatients. Parents need to be warned to be very careful about purchasing e-scooters. Legally, children under 16 cannot use them. Those who can use them should wear a helmet at all times. That is a really important message. We need to run an education programme to warn parents about the dangers involved.