Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I passed my driving test at 18 as well, though it was my second attempt. A little bit like my electoral record, it took two attempts to succeed. I understand the importance of having a full licence. It is about being able to get a job, as the Deputy said, being able to get around, get to college and do whatever people need to do. It is a major restriction on people’s freedom not to be able to have a full licence. I do not accept, though, that a change is just the stroke of a pen. I am a former Minister for road safety and have met family members of people killed by an unaccompanied driver.

Unfortunately, it is a simple fact that people who have not passed their driving test are more at risk of harming themselves or others. An increase in injuries, deaths and disabilities caused by driving accidents on the road would be a worse outcome than people having to wait 20 or 40 weeks for a test. It is not a nice choice to have to make, but it is the right one. We will do everything we can to get the waiting list down, and the 30% increase in testers will make a difference.

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