To ask the Minister of Justice, regarding anti-social behaviour involving vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and scramblers, to detail (i) any assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of such behaviour; and (ii) any work being undertaken to identify gaps in the enforcement powers available to the PSNI.

(i) Whilst there has not been any specific assessment of the prevalence of this behaviour, I am acutely aware that in recent months there have been many media reports concerning the dangerous use of e-scooters and scramblers across Northern Ireland, including numerous stories linking e-scooters/scramblers to dangerous and anti-social behaviour.

(ii) My department is in regular contact with PSNI colleagues to discuss enforcement issues.

You will be aware of an amendment to the Justice Bill, which was passed by the Assembly on 30 June. When implemented, the amendment will strengthen police powers to seize vehicles and retain or dispose of vehicles being used in a dangerous or antisocial manner, removing the necessity for the PSNI to provide a warning before removing the vehicle. I am grateful to Nuala McAllister MLA, Paul Frew MLA and Patsy McGlone MLA for their work on this amendment.

At a local level, Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) continue to play a key role in responding to community safety concerns, including those relating to antisocial behaviour and the use of e-scooters/ scramblers.

However, solving this issue involves more than simply strengthening enforcement powers. It requires a coordinated cross-government approach supported by community-led intervention schemes and programmes targeted at reducing these behaviours. Therefore, I have written to Executive Colleagues and the Chief Constable to discuss the development of a cross-departmental approach to this issue.