Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a few questions. The Minister spoke about bringing in new driver testers on a phased basis. Will he give us the details of that phased basis? Will he consider not bringing in the legislation until he has enough testers to give youngsters the opportunity to take a test within six weeks? Will the Department consider what I proposed with regard to intensive courses people could take in Mondello Park and places such as that? This would give them a higher level if the State is not able to provide the test. I have a fear about the law coming in. I appreciate what Deputy Catherine Murphy said earlier. I want to make it clear this would not be done to try to get someone driving without a licence quicker, but the problem is the State is failing. I want to keep the pressure on the State to supply what it has to supply when the ordinary citizen has to do the test. Will the Minister consider working with the Minister for Education and Skills to make sure every youngster has one class per week on a simulator system from first year onwards? It could be done on a computer. A youngster could be taught how to drive properly at a young age. Classes could be made more intensive during transition year. Will the Minister also consider the proposal I made two years ago to install limiters in the vehicles of learner drivers to reduce speed, give them cheaper insurance and perhaps save lives?

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