Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the joint Chairs for facilitating me. I am not a member of either committee, but it is important for me to come here today to support Pro-Social Drivers because is a very important programme. I had the pleasure at the end of one course of presenting certificates to participants in Letterkenny. It is clear from the presentation today that it is a very valuable programme. There are 24,000 convictions annually for road traffic offences, some of which are custodial sentences, and if we can help reduce those convictions, as well as re-offending, which is key, there is a substantial saving to be made. While the proposal for €200,000 to roll the programme out in seven counties over two years might seem like a lot of money, there will be a saving to the State, which is vital. Does Mr. Doggett or Mr. McFadden see their role, if this were rolled out nationally, as training people to deliver the course on a national basis? While there is an argument regarding rural counties in terms of difficulties around transport, I also see an important role for the programme in urban areas. The Chairman also asked whether it would be possible to deliver this within the prison system. The witnesses might address this, as it would be very important in terms of recidivism.