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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Quad bikes and scramblers

Summary

Deputy Ellis criticises the Government for opposing regulation of quad bikes and scramblers despite ministerial concern about public safety. The Minister says he has Attorney General advice and that a cross-government group is working on workable proposals.

Recently the Government, and Fianna Fáil, opposed the Sinn Féin Bill that proposed to regulate the use of quad bikes and scramblers. In the newspapers yesterday, the Minister for Justice and Equality, in response to the wife of a victim of a scrambler accident in a public park, clearly indicated that he is "fully committed to supporting any positive actions that can be pursued to counteract this serious public safety issue". Unfortunately, when the opportunity arose in the Dáil to support such "positive actions", the Government failed to do so. The Minister has stated that he has received detailed legal advice on this matter from the Attorney General. Could he share this advice with the House? What are his plans to bring forward legislation and when does he expect to do it? This is a serious issue.

Comment on this

This was the subject matter of detailed questioning earlier. I would have liked it if the Deputy had been present, or had tabled a question. He is, however, correct that I have received the advice of the Attorney General. A cross-governmental group is dealing with this issue and it involves a number of stakeholders and interested parties. I am keen to bring forward proposals that are workable and which will meet the needs of this serious issue in society.

Comment on this