Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason provided to him by the National Transport Authority regarding the decision it took not to adopt legislation passed in Dáil Éireann in December 2016, that is, an amendment to the Road Traffic Act 2016 allowing for the regulation of rickshaws; if he plans to sign the amendment into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6101/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Dáil Éireann voted to provide for the regulation of rickshaws, by way of an Amendment proposed by the Deputy, during its consideration of the Road Traffic Bill 2016, now the Road Traffic Act 2016.

I subsequently explained to the Seanad during that House's consideration of the Dáil amendments to the Bill that I would need to take further legal advice on the implications of the amendment, especially given that the amendment was not drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel or approved by the Office of the Attorney General.

During the debate on the Bill in the Dáil, I advised the House that the National Transport Authority (NTA) was working on a proposed policy and potential framework for the future regulation of rickshaws. I have just this week received the NTA's proposals which my Department and I will now urgently consider.

I share your concerns about the need for regulation of rickshaws. However, as I indicated to the Seanad, I am seeking legal advice on the implications of the Deputy's amendment - now Section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2016 - and it is not my intention to commence that provision before the legal position is clarified and I have considered the NTA's proposals on an appropriate and robust regulatory framework for rickshaws.