James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1301. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if owners of motorised buggies on golf courses come within the Road Traffic Act; if they require insurance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19591/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Under the Road Traffic Act, 1961 as amended, compulsory motor insurance applies to vehicles used in a public place. 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.

Golf caddy vehicles are mechanically propelled vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1961 and if they are used in a public place they must have insurance as set out in the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

The 6th EU Directive on Motor Insurance has been fully transposed into Irish law.  There has, however, been a decision in a European CJEU case (Case C-162/13) which could extend the range of motor insurance to include vehicles used even in non-public places. This decision has been under examination by the European Commission with a view to an amendment to the motor insurance directive to deal with any potential unintended consequences of the Court decision.  See .