Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

An issue that has been raised with the Minister of State in the past is the suggestion - and obviously this is a suggestion that chimes very well with some people - regarding the requirement to have a qualified driver along with a learner driver who is on a learner permit, given current delays in getting driver tests. I know this is custom and practice at this stage. However, is that position evidence-based? Is there a certain basis for the current practice? Is it something the Minister of State is considering reviewing in light of the driver test backlog, or would it be considered too much of a risk? If so, what evidence is this based on?