Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1133. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress being made to ensure that peoples using e-scooters dangerously are fined appropriately, or the e-scooter confiscated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11545/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I play no role in these independent functions.

Road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all.

An Garda Síochána has, through various media and social media platforms, highlighted the dangers associated with the misuse of e-scooters and similar vehicles. In order to combat dangerous behaviour, intelligence is gathered at local level and areas are targeted as appropriate. Garda operations targeting the illegal use of those vehicles involve all members who are assigned to operational duties.

Gardaí continue to enforce road traffic legislation and detect dangerous use of e-scooters.

I can inform the Deputy that since the introduction of e-scooter legislation in May of last year, and as of 23 January 2025, there have been 210 Fixed Charge Notices issued for e-scooter related offences. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána seized 160 e-scooters last year, an increase on the 56 seized in 2023.