2278. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of scramblers, e-scooters, e-bikes and quad-bikes seized by an Garda Síochána to date in 2026; the number of each that were seized in transit; the number that were returned to their owners; the number that were destroyed, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57042/26]

On 1 April, the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026, known as Grace's Law, were signed into law by the Minister for Transport. These regulations prohibit the use of an off-road motorcycle, such as a scrambler or a quadbike, in any place, except on private land. They impose a requirement of consent where restricted vehicles are used on private land and will make enforcement easier.

The seriousness with which the Government views this issue is reflected in the fact the mere use of scramblers is now explicitly an offence, assisting An Garda Síochána operationally by ensuring that members no longer have to form a reasonable belief about dangerous use of the vehicle.

Gardaí also have additional, and significant, legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of e-scooters, scramblers, quad bikes, e-bikes and other such vehicles including under the Road Traffic Act 1961, the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997, and the Criminal Law Act 1997 and the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.

I am assured that An Garda Síochána continues to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the illegal use of e-scooters, scramblers, quad bikes and e-bikes and have been informed of a substantial increase in the seizure of these types of vehicles during the first quarter of 2026 when measured against the full year 2025.

The table below sets out the number of incidents where an e-scooter, scrambler, e-bike and quad bike was seized or detained, nationally, in 2024, 2025 and in Quarter 1 in 2026. Data related to the number of vehicles seized while in transit, the number of vehicles returned to owners and the number of vehicles destroyed is not currently available.