Youth facilities and e-scooter enforcement
Deputy Conway-Walsh asked about the need for permanent youth facilities in Achill and rural areas, and Deputy Ó Muirí asked for stronger enforcement powers against unsafe e-scooters. The Taoiseach responded to the youth-centre question by praising partnerships and local provision, and the session moved on before a substantive answer to the e-scooter question.
As we are just coming to the end of the speaking time, I will offer Deputies Conway-Walsh and Ó Muirí 30 seconds each and allow the Taoiseach to respond to them both together.
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I welcome the students and teachers from Coláiste Pobail Acla here today. I know the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Dara Calleary, would want to do likewise. While we are on the subject of Achill, which the Taoiseach will know is one of the most beautiful places in the world, there is a severe shortage of facilities for young people on the island such as a youth centre. They need a permanent home and a permanent youth centre. I met Foróige in Dún Ibhir last Sunday. It is doing marvellous work.
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That is the question. What importance is the Government putting on facilities for young people, especially in rural areas?
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I will ask about e-scooter speeds. E-scooters are a welcome part of any mobility strategy but those who speed on them are a danger to themselves and everybody else, including pedestrians and cyclists on the road. There is a 20 km/h speed limit but it is difficult to enforce in reality. I understand it from An Garda Síochána that it is a statutory limit. Will the Taoiseach consider giving An Garda Síochána the power and technology to seize e-scooters, to test them to make sure limiters are on and operational and, if not, to confiscate them?
Comment on this
On Deputy Conway-Walsh's question, I too welcome the students from Coláiste Pobail Acla. Cuirim fáilte faoi leith rompu chuig Teach Laighean. On the facilities for young people, working with the LEADER programme, county councils and the State, we can provide good quality youth centres. I have been in different parts of the country where some have done it better than others. I was recently in Tulla and there is a fine centre there. The Government is very committed and interested in doing that and getting partnerships together to provide good quality facilities. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, will meet Foróige next week, I believe.
On Deputy Ó Muirí's question, I will talk to the Minister for Justice. The Deputy is absolutely correct; there are issues with dangers and vulnerabilities. If An Garda Síochána could have additional powers, they may act as a deterrent and it may never have to use them, even if the powers are there.