Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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971. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce legislation to help tackle the ongoing illegal use of scrambler motorbikes by unlicensed and underage children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49503/14]

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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978. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the current road traffic legislation is sufficient to tackle the illegal use of scrambler motorbikes by unlicensed and underage children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49504/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 971 and 978 together.

The use of motorcycles of any kind in a public place is subject to the relevant requirements of road traffic legislation and I am satisfied that current legislation in this regard is adequate.

For the purposes of road traffic legislation a 'public place' means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles whether as of right or by permission and whether subject to or free of charge.  The definition of a mechanically propelled vehicle for the purposes of road traffic legislation includes motorcycles.

A range of requirements must be satisfied in relation to both the vehicle and the driver in order to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place.  A vehicle must comply with the requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963, as amended.  Those Regulations prescribe requirements in relation to essential matters such as brakes, steering, mirrors and lighting. In addition, a driving licence is required in order to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place.  A person under 16 years may not hold a driving licence or a learner permit.  

It is a further requirement of road traffic legislation that, to use a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place, the driver must have third party insurance cover to meet personal injury and property damage caused by their negligent driving. A mechanically propelled vehicle for use in a public place is also required to be registered and is liable to motor tax.   

Enforcement of the relevant legislation, including addressing any illegal use of a  mechanically propelled vehicle, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.