Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
307. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 on 21 May 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to have this question answered. [28084/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Question No. 462 of 21 May 2024 refers to the number of e-bikes seized by Gardaí within the Kildare division in 2023 and to date in 2024.
As the Deputy 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 were seized/detained in the Kildare Division in 2023 and in 2024, up to 20 May 2024.
I am further advised that, during the same period, there were 27 e-bike seizures nationally.
I am advised that the figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2023 to 20 May 2024, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 21 May 2024 and is liable to change.
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 colleagues at the Department of Transport, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. and (then) Minister of State Jack Chambers T.D., recently welcomed the commencement of new regulations under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 for e-scooters and e-bikes/e-mopeds into Irish legislation.
From 20 May, regulations that set out new legal and safe technical parameters and usage of e-scooters and e-bikes came into effect. The regulations lay out 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 rolled 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.
