Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals for a review of the provisional driver licence system; when he expects the review to be completed; when he expects to have proposals in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/04]

John Bruton (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Transport if he intends to abolish provisional driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11005/04]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Transport his intentions in respect of his announcement of December 2002 of plans to reform the provisional driving licence system; the proposed timeframe for such reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12532/04]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 82 and 92 together.

Over the years various changes have been made to the regulatory conditions under which provisional licences have effect. I am considering whether further changes are desirable in this regard. In particular, I wish to bring in measures that will reduce long-term reliance on provisional licences. I am also reviewing the provision whereby holders of second provisional licences for cars are not required to be accompanied by a person who holds a driving licence for that category of vehicle, with a view to ending this arrangement. All other provisional licence holders, other than drivers of motorcycles and work vehicles, must be accompanied by a qualified driver at all times when driving in a public place.

In addition, I am considering, in consultation with motor cycling interests and the insurance industry, measures to improve the training and safety of motor cyclists, especially those on provisional licences. I intend to submit detailed proposals for a package of driver licensing reforms to Government shortly. I envisage these proposals would be implemented on a phased basis.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister will agree that urgent action is required to address the 13-month backlog. Only 18 months ago the average waiting time was ten weeks. Is the Minister aware that not having a full driving licence is costing young drivers approximately €50 million per year in increased premia? Particularly in rural areas it is depriving people of job opportunities and hence the need for urgent reform. Will the Minister comment on the eight driving tester vacancies that remain to be filled? I understand if these eight appointments were made, those testers could carry out approximately 15,300 tests per annum, which would greatly alleviate the backlog.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The heads of the Bill to establish the new driver testing and standards authority have been approved by Cabinet and the drafting of the Bill is being finalised. I have had discussions with some civil servants who are due to move to that authority. It is my intention that the authority would deal with the backlog in an aggressive way as soon as it is operational. I am seeking to have the eight vacancies filled as soon as possible. I agree with the Deputy that this will make a difference. Approximately 370,000 people currently hold provisional licences. A considerable number of those hold second or subsequent provisional licences.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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I note that the Minister is now trying to pass responsibility for the backlog to the new authority. However, is it not the case that the Minister caused the backlog in the first place by his irresponsible comments? What specific actions will the Minister take to address the problem? He is thinking about appointing eight people to fill the tester vacancies. Will he introduce a bonus scheme in the summer and not in the autumn as he did last year, when it was not possible to provide any additional tests as they had to take place during daylight hours? Would it not make more sense to have it in place this summer so that we could clear some of the backlog?

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Some drivers with provisional licences are currently driving HGVs and buses. Given the high number of HGVs involved in road accidents the Minister should give priority to testing those on provisional licences driving such dangerous vehicles. A further category of people had previously got driving licences, which lapsed because of the casual attitude to driving licences that had developed in the country. This category includes the Taoiseach. Many experienced drivers who had been driving for many years let their licences lapse. Does the Minister intend making any special provision for those people or will they have to undergo a test again?

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Driving testers are conducting a total of 4,000 tests per week. We introduced a bonus scheme last year, which helped substantially. I intend to introduce another bonus scheme and fill these eight vacancies. However this will only really start when the new authority takes office.

Of 1.8 million vehicles in the State, 1.4 million are motorcars. This leaves approximately 400,000 motorcycles and HGVs. I believe the number of motorcycles is approximately 50,000 or 60,000. This means there are about 300,000 HGVs. I can get a more accurate figure for the Deputy.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I do not want an accurate figure. I am asking the Minister to give priority to arranging tests for those on provisional licences driving HGVs, a large number of whom end up involved in traffic accidents.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I can take a look at that. The applications for driving tests are dealt with in rotation.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Is it acceptable for a person on a provisional licence to drive an HGV?

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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It is not. Nor is it acceptable that those on fourth or fifth provisional licences are driving around the country.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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What will the Minister do about it?

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to get through it. I do not propose to make any specific arrangements in the case of those with lapsed licences.