John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 7 December 2016, the outcome of his discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5756/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Under the Road Traffic Acts, the user of a quad bike or scrambler bike in a public place must have insurance, road trax and a driving licence, and must also wear a helmet, with severe penalties under the road traffic laws for not being in compliance with these requirements.

Under the Road Traffic Acts, a "public place" means any public road, and any street, road or other place to which the public have access with vehicles.  In the case of a park under the jurisdiction of a local authority, that local authority may make bye-laws prohibiting the use of quad bikes or scramblers, and in the case of a national park, a similar prohibition may be brought in by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. 

There is comprehensive legislation in place governing the use of scrambler bikes, quad bikes and similar vehicles in a public place under the Road Traffic Acts and enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for an Garda Siochana.  The use of such vehicles in parks is outside the remit of this Department; it is a matter for local authority staff and an Garda Siochana to enforce bye-laws made by the the local authorities prohibiting the use of such vehicles in areas under their control.

As I have promised the Deputy, I have asked for a meeting with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality to discuss this issue and to see if there are any legislative amendments or other actions which could be taken to specifically deal with the issues raised.