John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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301. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the transport (miscellaneous) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17408/23]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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303. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to legislate for the use of scramblers and quads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17410/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In the Programme for Government, we committed to addressing a number of topics, including anti-social use of scramblers and quads.

The anti-social use of scramblers and quads is a complex problem, and involves both legislation coming within my remit as the Minister for Transport, and the provision of community initiatives within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Justice. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 addresses the legislative needs in this area in three ways: dangerous driving, currently an offence only in a ‘public place’, will become an offence everywhere; there will be new Garda powers of seizure; and there will be a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.

It is anticipated that all sections relating to scramblers will be commenced soon after the passage of the Bill. The manner in which An Garda Síochána informs members of the new legislation, and any guidelines which may be required for its implementation, are internal matters for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.

The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021 is due to return to the Seanad for the Report and Final Stage in the coming weeks. Given that there are Seanad amendments, a report back to the Dáil after passing the Seanad will be required. It is anticipated that the Bill will be signed into law before the end of Q2 2023. Work on commencement orders has already begun.