Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána enforce the law on cycling on footpaths and cyclists breaking red lights as part of their normal duties on an ongoing basis. 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 are regularly targeted by way of specific Garda operations. Where breaches of 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 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.

Under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, the management and administration of the courts, including responsibility for maintaining and publishing court statistics, is a function of the Courts Service. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and been informed that it is not possible to provide the information in relation to fines requested by the Deputy without a disproportionate use of resources.

The penalties imposed for breaches of the law in relation to cycling offences are set out in road traffic legislation which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.