asked the Minister for the Environment the action, if any, he proposes to take to prohibit the use of skate boards on footpaths and on the public highway.

I have no specific proposals regarding the use of skate boards. The Road Traffic Acts provide that a person shall not do any act, whether of commission or omission, which causes or is likely to cause traffic through any public place to be obstructed. Enforcement of this provision is a matter for the Garda.

Does the Minister agree that the use of skate boards, which has crept into Grafton Street, constitutes a great danger to the public and to the people using them? In view of this danger and the fact that it is necessary to wear protective clothing while indulging in this sport, would the Minister contemplate the allocation of certain places for this sport?

I will certainly take the matter up, but I do not want to be a killjoy.

Nobody wants to be a killjoy but it is better to be a killjoy than a killer.

As this is the last sitting day before the Christmas recess, the remaining questions will be answered by written reply unless Deputies notify the General Office to the contrary, in which case they will appear on the Order Paper for 31st January. I would also remind Deputies that the written reply and question will appear in the Official Report.