Seana Brennan’s son Mason was only 12 years old when he fell while riding on the back of a friend’s e-scooter in May 2025. The injuries he sustained required him to be airlifted from the scene of the incident in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, to Temple Street children’s hospital in Dublin. Mason suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that necessitated the removal of the right side of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain. He also broke his collarbone and toe in the incident. Speaking on today’s episode of In the News, Brennan highlights the dangers of e-scooters, pointing out: “The last place you want to be is in ICU with your child.” Following five weeks in intensive care, Mason was moved to a ward for three weeks before being released and beginning rehabilitation in Dún Laoghaire. Brennan says despite his extensive injuries, Mason was “very lucky” and has recovered well physically over the last 14 months. However, the trauma of the incident lingers.She explains that her son suffered a personality change and was “almost like a new child” when he came home. “Physically I suppose you thought he was actually doing okay, but mentally he was suffering,” she tells podcast presenter Bernice Harrison. Speaking about the long-term effects, Brennan believes “it’s going to be a lot for the rest of his life”. The mother of two is unsure whether a total ban on e-scooters would work, but maintains they are far too dangerous to be on the road. Brennan recognises the pressure that is often put on parents to buy one for their child, but urges them to be aware of the immense risks. “It’s nearly like putting them on a motorbike without a helmet,” she says. Harrison also speaks in this episode to Irish Times political correspondent Jack Horgan Jones on how the Government will respond to this growing crisis. You can listen back to this episode in the player above or search “In the News” wherever you get your podcasts.