Minister ‘minded’ to act after road ban for garda who chased scrambler – Martin

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

The Justice Minister is “minded” to act after a garda was given a two-year driving ban for dangerous driving while chasing a scrambler.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was not acceptable that a garda would be prosecuted for “reasonably” chasing scramblers being used illegally, and confirmed to the Dáil that Jim O’Callaghan was reviewing legislation in the area.

Concerns have been raised about the gardaí’s ability to pursue scramblers being used illegally.

Strengthened legislation to ban scrambler bikes in public places, known as Grace’s law, came into force on April 3rd.

The new legislation was named after Grace Lynch, a 16-year-old girl who died in a crash involving a scrambler bike while walking home in Dublin in January.

A teenage man has appeared in court charged in relation to the crash.

On Wednesday, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay North Tom Brabazon said in the Dáil that scramblers were “still causing havoc” in north Dublin and said he was “inundated” with correspondence from constituents about scramblers being driven dangerously.

He called for a statutory indemnity or another mechanism for gardaí pursuing scramblers.

The Taoiseach replied that it was “distressing” that scramblers were still being used recklessly and said if nothing was done, it could “paralyse” gardaí in protecting people.

He said he would speak to his Fianna Fáil colleague O’Callaghan.

“It is extremely distressing and unacceptable that you are still witnessing – and people that you represent are witnessing – appalling activity by people using scramblers, recklessly endangering life, causing the loss of life and so forth.

“I accept the rationale behind your call for statutory indemnity to be introduced to protecting An Garda Síochána who reasonably go to try and stop this activity.

“I don’t think it’s acceptable that a garda should be prosecuted if he’s endeavouring to stop people endangering others through the illegal and reckless use of scramblers.

“The Minister of Justice is, I understand, reviewing legislation in this area, and it’s a very important issue because the potential is if something isn’t done is that we paralyse gardaí in terms of protecting people.

“I will talk to the Minister for Justice, I know he is minded to do something in this area given recent court cases and so fourth.”