Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will account for the lack of fines, proceedings and convictions for footpath cycling. [27286/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on cycling on footpaths on an ongoing basis as part of their normal duties. In addition to the day to day enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Acts, breaches of the legislation in respect of pedal cycle behaviour is regularly targeted by way of various Garda operations. I am also informed that, where breaches of the legislation are detected, members of An Garda Síochána, depending on the circumstances, may deal with the incident by way of advice or caution or by initiating criminal proceedings.

Educational talks are regularly given by members of the Regional Road Safety Units and through the Garda Schools Programme on road safety and road traffic legislation, including on cycling, to young people and other identified high-risk road users to encourage increased compliance. The issuing of convictions and penalties is a matter for the courts, which are, subject to the Constitution and the law, independent in the performance of their functions.