Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
850. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the banning of the use of scramblers in public places; whether the Gardaí have sufficient powers to enforce this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra851. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the key performance indicators in place to monitor the effectiveness of the banning of the use of scramblers in public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35136/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 851 together.
Our road safety strategy takes a whole of Government approach and is a shared responsibility. Development and implementation of road traffic legislation and policy falls within the remit of my colleague Darragh O'Brien TD, the Minister for Transport, and the vital role of enforcing road traffic laws is carried out by An Garda Síochána.
Gardaí have significant legislative powers to combat the antisocial and dangerous misuse of scramblers, quad bikes, e-scooters 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 scramblers, quads, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Garda enforcement of road traffic legislation is undertaken not only by dedicated Roads Policing personnel, but regularly by all Garda members. A Garda Spontaneous Pursuits Policy was introduced in 2024. This policy aims to provide direction to Gardaí who in the course of their duties, engage in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management in order to reduce the risk associated with pursuits and stopping of subject vehicles.
With regard to key performance indicators following the ban on driving scramblers in public places, it should be noted that the ban has only been in effect since the beginning April. It should be noted however that tackling dangerous driver behaviours and promoting compliance with road traffic laws will continue to be addressed through road safety education and public awareness campaigns and the enforcement of road traffic laws.
