Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not identical but is very similar to what Deputy Ryan wanted to introduce. As I have already said, I have asked my officials to examine this as a serious and urgent matter, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, whose advice is being sought as to theviresto introduce such an offence on the part of the registered owner of a vehicle. The idea has merit and my officials will also liaise with gardaí about the enforceability of such a proposal. It is a little more complicated than it looks and it has a lot of implications. There may be a more direct way of dealing with it, such as giving gardaí powers to seize and detain a vehicle. Legal advice is necessary and perhaps the Deputy, along with Deputy Ryan, can come back to this on Report Stage, which is planned for next week. A learner permit holder who drives while unaccompanied does not meet one of the key conditions attached to their permit and is, therefore, driving unlicensed. It is already an offence which carries three penalty points on payment of a fixed charge and five penalty points on conviction in court.