Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

In spite of our best efforts. I agree with the Deputy. Any fair assessment would conclude that we are making major progress in this area. I will resolve it but there is no point in my approaching it in a piecemeal fashion. Many different elements must be put in place. There are different interpretations of what is meant by a learner permit and a graduated licence. It is a combination of a starting point but with a graduated system leading to a full licence. It should not be easy to get a licence. It should be easy to apply to do the test and know that one can do it in a reasonably short timeframe, but the process of getting a licence should not necessarily be easy. It should be difficult enough and therefore appreciated when one gets it, with the assurance that one has reached a serious level of competence. For the reasons we have discussed on numerous occasions, I cannot accept the amendment.

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