Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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46. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her Department has engaged with the Garda Commissioner in preparation for the introduction of the power to seize scramblers and quads under the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2022. [60509/22]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the training of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters. 

I have been informed by An Garda Síochána that they are aware of the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, currently before the Oireachtas.

There has been engagement with An Garda Siochana in relation new proposals in relation to scramblers and quad bikes. Once the Bill has been enacted, An Garda Síochána will determine what operational steps they are required to take.

I established a subgroup of the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum in 2021 to examine measures which can be taken with regard to the misuse of vehicles such as scramblers and quad bikes in communities. An Garda Síochána is represented on the Forum at senior level and has taken part in the discussions around approaches to tackling the issue of misuse of scramblers and quad bikes.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Forum delivered a community based proposal to tackling the misuse of scramblers and other vehicles. This scheme is based on the model developed by the Moyross Youth Diversion Project (YDP) and, again, is a means of intervention and diversion of young people from this type of anti-social activity, rather than enforcement.

My Department opened applications to all YDPs for funding for these initiatives. Almost €200,000 in funding has been granted to eight projects; some of which are joint ventures between more than one YDP (a total of 10 YDPs applied for funding, 9 in Dublin, along with additional support provided for Moyross in Limerick).