Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will accept an amendment on the issue. I do not know why the Deputies assume I would not. Deputies Brendan Ryan and Imelda Munster proposed amendments to make it an offence for the owner of a vehicle to allow the vehicle to be driven by an unaccompanied learner. Deputy Tommy Broughan has also proposed measures regarding insurance and unaccompanied learners. It raises a very important issue and the law is very clear. A learner permit is a permit permitting somebody to drive without a licence for the purpose of learning. It is not to be treated as a licence, nor do we want to go back to the old culture whereby some people were happy to remain learners for decades.

Since 2010, a range of measures has been introduced as part of a graduated driver licence system including developments such as mandatory lessons for learners, lower alcohol limits for learner and novice drivers and lower penalty point thresholds. We need people to understand driving is not a right. Taking charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle puts a person in a position of responsibility for his or her own safety, that of any passengers and that of other road users they encounter.

This is why we expect people who are still learners to have an accompanying qualified driver.

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