Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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104. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the options open to An Garda Síochána in policing the use of quad bikes on public roads and in public parks, given the ongoing public safety issues associated with their widespread use, especially by minors, and if she will issue a warning to parents who are considering buying these bikes for Christmas 2015 on the dangers and illegality associated with them. [44430/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána have the power to require a vehicle in a public place to stop under Section 109 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, and that failure by the driver to do so is an offence. I am further advised that mechanically propelled vehicles used in a public place must comply with the Road Traffic Acts, including in relation to motor tax, insurance and possession of a valid driver licence or learner permit, and that non-compliance is also offence. In addition, a vehicle may be seized where the driver has no driving licence or learners permit, where the driver has no insurance, or where there is no motor tax paid for a period of over three months after the expiry of the road tax payable on the vehicle.

I share the Deputy's concerns in relation to the public safety issues associated with the misuse of such vehicles, and will raise her suggestion concerning warnings in relation to such vehicles with the Road Safety Authority and with the Garda authorities.