John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will introduce compulsory basic training for motorcyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35832/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006, SI 477 of 2006, the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the oversight of the operation of the driver licensing system, including the preparation of proposals for draft regulatory provisions relating to driver licensing and testing. In this context, the Road Safety Authority is responsible for bringing forward proposals for the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists.

However, a prerequisite for the introduction of such training is the availability and registration of motorcycle instructors.

The Road Safety Authority is responsible for registering driving instructors. A consultation document, published jointly by the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority last May, sets out proposals for the registration of driving instructors and invited submissions to be made by 8 September. Those submissions are being considered by the Road Safety Authority and new instructors are to be registered, as I outlined in detail earlier, from 1 July 2007. It is intended that all instructors will be registered by 1 July 2008.

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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The question related to motorcyclists who consist of 1% of all our road users but 10% of all our road fatalities. Yesterday, in his presentation to the Joint Committee on Transport, Mr. Noel Brett, said it was part of policy to introduce centres where motorcyclists can be trained, which I welcome. However, I wish to ensure that happens quickly and I ask the Minister of State to try to fast track it. It should be a priority for Mr. Brett and his committee. Centres should be provided where motorcyclists can learn to ride motorbikes properly and car users can learn to drive properly.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Road Safety Authority is on course to introduce such a scheme by 1 July next year. A working group comprising motorcycle interests has been considering the appropriate standards with which instructors will have to comply. Overseeing the introduction of such training is now the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I am sure the criteria laid down will be quite strict.

I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact the Department has funded the establishment of the Irish Rider Training Association, which was set up under the auspices of the Motorcycle Action Group, MAG, a number of years ago. Its purpose was to facilitate the development of a network of motorcycle instructors so that basic training would be readily available. Work had been done even before the establishment of the Road Safety Authority. I am confident the new regime will be in place by 1 July next year.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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It is important we remind ourselves that we are talking about compulsory basic training for motorcyclists. There is the outrageous situation at present where any 16-year-old can buy a motorbike and ride off.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Shortall should ask a brief question. I wish to facilitate Deputy Crowe who is also offering.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Does the Minister of State accept that compulsory basic training for motorcyclists was part of the 2004 road safety strategy and that he has utterly failed in that regard? Does he further accept that it was legislated for in this year's Road Traffic Act but that he has failed to commence that part of it? Does he also accept, given that almost half motorcyclists killed on our roads are aged under 25 years, he needs to address this area with far greater urgency than he has done to date?

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Approximately 70% of motorcyclists have never received any basic training. Does the Minister of State agree the current system where motorcyclists may ride motorbikes indefinitely on a provisional licence needs to be reformed?

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot dispute the fact that many young people on motorbikes are killed. We wish to ensure the new instructors, whether for cars or motorbikes, are registered from 1 July 2007. I take on board what the Deputy said about compulsory training.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Did the Minister of State deal with Deputy Shortall's question?

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We will take the opportunity to discuss compulsory training and the Road Safety Authority's proposals when we meet it in the near future.