Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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449. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the matter of regulating rickshaws, in view of the fact that he has refused to implement section 31 of the Road Traffic Act 2016 and in further view of the fact that he made a subsequent commitment to produce legislation on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53100/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As the Deputy will be aware, following the legal advice received, the prudent decision was not to commence section 31 in the Road Traffic Act 2016.  The legal risk associated with this provision was considered unacceptably high with a strong likelihood that the regulations under the provisions could be challenged and ultimately struck down.  Understandably, given this information, I decided not to commence section 31.

In relation to the drafting of legislation, the Deputy will know that I tasked the National Transport Authority (NTA) with conducting a public consultation on this issue in August this year.  That consultation concluded on 25 September and the NTA have submitted their report on the consultation and their related recommendations.  These inputs are currently being examined and form part of the consideration as my Department prepares a Regulatory Impact Assessment regarding options for the regulation of Rickshaws.

I share the many concerns that have been raised in relation to rickshaws. It is my intention, following completion of the Regulatory Impact Assessment, to progress without delay any legislative provisions deemed necessary to address those concerns.