New legislation to ban scramblers is expected to be finalised soon, the Minister for Transport said.
Darragh O'Brien said a that meeting took place at the Attorney General’s office in relation to definitions and other legal matters, and that draft regulations have been sent to the office.
His comments come following a meeting Siobhán and Martin Lynch, the parents of Grace Lynch, who was killed after being hit by a scrambler last month.
Mr O’Brien said that he is working with the family, adding that the Government will also focus on safety issues around e-bikes and e-scooters.
Known as Grace’s Law, the new rules are expected to see an outright ban on scramblers in public spaces, as well as give gardaí more powers when it comes to enforcement.
Mr O’Brien said that he is taking input from Grace’s parents on board, and that he will be keeping in direct contact with them.
Alcolocks to prevent drink driving on table
Meanwhile, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney said that 'alcolocks' could be used to prevent repeat drink driving offenders from getting by the wheel.
The minister, who is responsible for road safety, said that "nothing is off the table" when it comes to dealing with drink driving.
An 'alcolock’, or ignition interlock device (IID), is a breathalyser device that can be installed in a vehicle and require a driver to give a test before the car can start.
It has been adopted in a number of other countries.
Speeaking at Government Buildings today, Mr Canney said: "Nothing is off the table, such as an alcohol interlocker, which will prevent you from starting a car if you have drink taken.
"It shows that people are still drink driving, people are still taking drugs and driving, and even the figures yesterday from the Motor Insurance Board, the fact that nearly 20,000 cars were seized last year because they weren’t insured – I think that’s a testament to the technologies which are now in place – the number plate recognition.
"I think the message is very clear, we need technology to help us with enforcement."
