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listened to the Taoiseach's response on Leaders' Questions to my party leader, Deputy McDonald. He said the Government will introduce regulations for e-scooters. That is also in the programme for Government. Since 2024, e-scooters have been legal on Irish roads, but people do not need … licence to drive one. They do not have to be registered, taxed or insured. As we speak, e-scooters are being driven recklessly and with impunity across Dublin. They are so quiet that pedestrians do not hear them until they are right on top of them. They

public spaces and there needs to be no ambiguity about that. Most people agree that we need to do more regarding e-scooters, most particularly in relation to our children. Somebody under the age of 16 is already not permitted to be on an e-scooter. However, talking … doctors, as we all do, they say that e-scooter accidents are the number one cause of induced brain trauma in children in Ireland. It is horrifying. Yes, it is illegal but when I talk to gardaí, the current structure is a bit cumbersome. We need to make

curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. These powers are being used. Since 2023, over 1,000 scramblers, e-scooters and quad bikes have been seized. The measures I outlined represent a comprehensive legislative response to the dangerous use of off-road scramblers … back on our roads. While the focus has rightly been on scramblers in recent weeks, as we approach the two-year mark since e-scooter regulations were introduced in May 2024, it is now appropriate that we look at the evidence and consider if additional regulation is warranted

what they want, when they want and how they want. It is not just scramblers that are causing problems in our communities. E-scooters are being driven recklessly and with impunity, often transporting drugs and cash for organised criminals. People coming off e-scooters are the leading cause … traumatic brain injuries presenting at the Mater hospital. The Government has said it will commit to looking at regulations for e-scooters and scramblers but they need to be comprehensive. We need to see what powers are going to be put in place for the Garda

being developed. I think that is the direction of travel we intend to work on. Deputy Mark Ward raised the regulation of e-scooters. The Minister got sanction from the Cabinet today for preliminary regulations covering the wearing of helmets and hi-vis vests for the users … e-scooters, e-bikes and so forth. That is important. We also understand that there will be a need for more regulation in respect of how e-scooters are being applied on our streets. Deputy O'Rourke raised special schools and classes. There has been

thing that we want to continue to support, but driver and cyclist education is also important. I take the Deputy's point on e-scooters that there are laws and regulations there. I remain to be convinced that there is not more to be done on e-scooters

accountability for the adults who are providing these scramblers to the mostly young men who are using them. We need stricter regulation of e-scooters also, not just keeping up with what is there. Helmets and hi-vis gear must be mandated and proper enforcement needs … used by An Garda Síochána against those who are using e-scooters at over 20 km/h. The serious injuries, including the massive increase percentage-wise of horrific brain injuries to mostly young men, demand that stricter action be taken by using the powers that are already there

arrested over two days, the superintendent said, "We are acutely aware of the problem ourselves and can correlate the use of scramblers and e-scooters to criminal activities with [several] detections in the sale and supply of drugs in recent months." My time is short. While the Minister … spaces for good, and that it also seizes this opportunity to address the safety issues concerning horses in urban areas and that e-scooters being driven illegally and not complying with road regulations are seized as well

fatalities recorded by the RSA - that is up 8% - comprising 76 drivers, 41 pedestrians, 30 motorcyclists, 21 passengers, 14 cyclists and three e-scooter users. There have been too many tragic deaths in the first five weeks of this year as well. My thoughts … numbers have fallen and it will get worse. There is dangerous behaviour in cars – speeding, phone use, breaking lights, selfish behaviour, dangerous scramblers, e-scooters and illegal driving, unchecked far too often – and while safety measures have been announced, they have not been implemented yet or delivered quickly

communities by certain individuals. The Government will spare no effort in that. In addition, the Government will bring in regulations in respect of e-scooters, e-bicycles and so on to ensure there is greater protection. These will be preliminary measures in respect of e-scooters, potentially looking

variety of areas. The RSA has initiated a number of significant national public awareness campaigns on speed, drug driving, road safety for e-scooter users and motorcyclists, and road behaviour. I share the Deputy's concerns, but if I can make a generic point, we must look

second proposal was withdrawn at or before the meeting that would have made helmets and high-vis jackets mandatory for people using e-scooters, e-bikes and ordinary pushbikes. An Garda Síochána would be empowered to fine those without a helmet making this a criminal matter

victim-blaming that does nothing to address the actual dangers to cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Any proposal to extend mandates from e-scooters and high-powered e-bikes to ordinary bikes would represent a major policy regression contradicting both international best practice and the Government

London Metropolitan Police, to ensure they are not unfairly penalised for doing their jobs. We need a system of electronic tagging for e-scooters, e-bikes and scramblers so they can be traced from retailers to consumers. Ultimately, there must be a fear of consequences. The law must

about scramblers. Many speakers spoke about that today. The progress in improved regulations and enforcement is important, as it is in relation to e-scooters. However, I want to focus on pedestrian safety today, in particular because it is also an important aspect of road safety. Last year

solution. They work tirelessly for us to make the roads safer. We need safer streets. We speak about open drug dealing on e-scooters. It needs to be targeted. Giving gardaí the authority to act decisively will also recognise that these men and women are not just public

powers and these powers are being used. Between 1 January and 30 January 2025, a total of 449 scramblers, quads, e-bikes and e-scooters were seized in the Dublin metropolitan area. This marks a steady rise in effective performance in this particular area of policing when compared

Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for additional school infrastructure in Fingal West. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the misuse of e-scooter vehicles in urban areas. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the provision of special education classes across Galway East. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

discuss the need for increased resources for An Garda Síochána in the mid-west. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the misuse of e-scooter vehicles in urban areas. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the provision of special education classes across Galway East. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú

Transport whether his Department is considering the introduction of mandatory helmet or high-visibility clothing requirements for users of e-bikes or e-scooters; if an assessment has been carried out on the potential safety, enforcement or behavioural impacts of such measures; and if he will make

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of e-bikes, e-scooters and scrambler bikes seized by an Garda Síochána, by division in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and the number of same returned to owners over the same

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport whether new legislation to regulate e-scooters will restrict their use on public footpaths, greenways, and in public parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9677/26

respect of his plans to introduce the mandatory wearing of helmets and high visibility items in respect of standard e-bike and e-scooter users; if he has drafted new regulations and or legislation in respect of same; if he will provide his timeline for introduction

Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the review he is carrying out into the existing laws regarding the use of e-scooters and scrambler bikes with a view to further preventing their use in an antisocial way; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether existing laws in relation to the antisocial use of e-scooters and scrambler bikes are sufficient to act as a deterrent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7752/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will make it mandatory for cyclists and e-scooter users to wear helmets and high visibility clothing in an effort to improve road safety and reduce accidents. [8448/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department collects data on the amount of accidents and injuries caused by e-scooters and e-bikes. [8455/26

Affairs and Migration the position regarding the ongoing engagement he is having with An Garda Síochána in relation to the antisocial use of e-scooters and scrambler bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7751/26