Members of An Garda Síochána have asked to be trained on how to tackle scramblers.
In January, 16-year-old Grace Lynch died after she was struck by a scrambler, while out for a walk in Finglas.
The Government responded by introducing Grace’s Law, which bans the use of scrambler bikes in public spaces.
Grace Lynch.However, Gardaí have complained they are inadequately prepared to enforce the ban.
On Newstalk Breakfast, Garda Representative Association President Niall Hodgins said there is “nothing” Gardaí can do to stop people using scramblers at present.
“That is the tragic scenario because Grace's Law makes it clear that it is illegal to use these scramblers in a public place - so, that's clear.
“However, not one member of the Guards is trained in pursuit driving.”
Mr Hodgins explained that Gardaí are authorised to pursue people in certain circumstances, such as if there is a ‘cry alert’ when a child is abducted.
However, members of the force fear the consequences of carrying out their duties.
“The Guards then, when they receive information that an abducted child could be in a car, we might turn on the blue lights, we might pursue that car,” he said.
“But if anything arises from that situation, by weather of damage, crashes, injuries, the Guard then is left to face all the issues that arise from that particular incident.”
Mr Hodgins added that An Garda Síochána needs to introduce reforms to reduce the risk of Gardaí being sued for carrying out their duties.
“The first thing we're looking for, is a working driving licence, that if something goes wrong, that your private life is not affected for something whilst they're doing, whilst on duty,” he argued.
“The second thing is, either train us, train us or protect us; the protection I'm talking about is indemnity.
“The indemnity, when something goes wrong, the Garda is sued; he's added to a writ at the behest of being a servant of the Garda Commissioner.
“When that occurs and we try to engage with management, they won't let the member know that he's covered.”
Main image: Members of Gardaí on patrol in Dublin city centre. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
