Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Transport the obligation that rests on the users of motorised wheelchairs to have insurance cover when they use roads, footpaths and cycle-ways; his views on whether it is advisable that such road users should carry insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35625/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Motorised wheelchairs fall within the definition of a mechanically propelled vehicle, under section 3 of the 1961 Road Traffic Act. This means that Section 56 of that Act which requires compulsory third party liability motor insurance for all mechanically propelled vehicles used in a public place, applies to motorised wheelchairs.

My officials are aware of insurance companies which provide the necessary motor vehicle insurance for motorised wheelchairs as part of a domestic insurance package. Other motor vehicle insurers provide cover as for any mechanically propelled vehicle.

The same requirements for verification of motor insurance apply to motorised wheelchair users as they do to users of any other mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place.