Catherine Murphy
Ceist:
327. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of e-bikes and e-scooters seized by gardaí within the Wicklow division in 2022 and 2023 and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information was not received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 327 of 28 May 2024 when you sought:
“The number of e-bikes and e-scooters seized by Gardaí within the Wicklow Division in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no E-bikes or E-scooters were seized/detained within the Wexford/Wicklow Division in 2022 or 2023 and fewer than 10 have been seized to date in 2024.
It is important to note that E-scooter, E-bike and Scrambler are only available as vehicle types in their own right in PULSE since March 2023.
Vehicles seized or detained include, but are not exclusively, those seized or detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
You may also wish to be aware that my colleague Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. recently welcomed the commencement of regulations under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 to provide An Garda Síochána with stronger enforcement powers in relation to e-scooters and e-bikes/e-mopeds.
From 20 May, regulations that set out new legal and safe technical parameters and usage of e-scooters and e-bikes will come into effect. The regulations will layout the rules of the road for people choosing to use light electric vehicles which will be enforceable under Irish law.
A public information campaign outlining how these vehicles can be enjoyed and used safely on our roads will roll out from commencement day. The Gardaí and Road Safety Authority have been involved in the development of these regulations from the start and An Garda Síochána will be responsible for their enforcement.
