Rickshaw regulation and drugs
Deputy Chambers asked about regulation of rickshaws, citing an undercover investigation and drug dealing. The Taoiseach separated the drug issue from transport policy, saying it was for Justice and An Garda Síochána, while the Transport Minister would consider rickshaw movement and regulation.
The programme for Government outlines a full review of public transport policy and we saw yesterday an undercover investigation in Dublin around rickshaws and the act of drug dealing. Some examples of that were shown. Is it the intention of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to develop a regulatory policy with the National Transport Authority around rickshaw licensing, insurance and other matters? It is important to provide a framework for what is a mode of public transport.
Comment on this
They are two separate things. Dealing in and selling illegal drugs is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána, which has a particular expertise in this area through the drug squads which are funded by Government. Obviously, the Minister will look at the question of mobile vehicles of one description or another. They seem to change every so often. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will reflect on the scale of rickshaw movement throughout the city.