Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
361. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the State body that holds responsibility for enforcement action against retailers selling e-scooters that exceed the legal speed, power, or weight limits set out in the relevant road traffic legislation; and if his Department will clarify this in circumstances where nobody has to date taken responsibility for such enforcement. [55100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra362. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the outcome of the meeting between Ministers and officials on 8 July 2026 regarding e-scooter regulation; the specific legislative options currently being drafted arising from that meeting; and the timeline for a decision. [55101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra363. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if the legislative options under consideration following the meeting of 8 July 2026 will apply to e-scooters that already comply with the current 20kmh, 400 watt, and 25kg limits, or only to non-compliant overpowered devices; and if his Department will clarify this distinction. [55102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra364. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if consideration is being given to a point-of-sale regulation mechanism or buy-back scheme for non-compliant e-scooters, as proposed by cycling advocacy groups; and if the Department has engaged with retailers on the ease with which speed limiters on these devices can be manipulated. [55103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra365. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the status of engagement with the insurance industry regarding the introduction of mandatory insurance for e-scooters; and if his Department has received confirmation from any insurer of willingness to provide cover subject to additional legislative restrictions. [55104/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra366. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has engaged with the Minister for Health or the Health Service Executive regarding the volume of paediatric intensive care admissions arising from e-scooter accidents; and if any interdepartmental data-sharing arrangement exists to track this. [55105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if a full ban on e-scooters is among the options being brought to Cabinet this week; the expected timeline for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55452/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 to 366, inclusive, and 387 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to emphasise my concern about the misuse of e-scooters in public areas.
Government and stakeholders across the sector are working hard to reverse the current increase in fatalities and injuries and restore Ireland’s long-term progress in the area of road safety. Cabinet will consider the matter further this week and make decisions. My Department is currently in consultation with stakeholders in the context of preparing regulations, the details of which will be released shortly. It is important that these regulations are thorough, have the desired effect, that the correct vehicles, areas and territories are targeted and that effective enforcement is available.
Regulations governing the sale of commercial goods are not within the remit of my Department and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
