Results 1-15 of 15 for in 'Dáil debates' segment:1755199

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Jimmy Deenihan: 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]

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

John Bruton: 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]

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin: 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]

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: 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...

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Jimmy Deenihan: 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...

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: 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...

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Denis Naughten: 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...

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Róisín Shortall: 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...

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: 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...

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Róisín Shortall: 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.

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I can take a look at that. The applications for driving tests are dealt with in rotation.

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Róisín Shortall: Is it acceptable for a person on a provisional licence to drive an HGV?

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: It is not. Nor is it acceptable that those on fourth or fifth provisional licences are driving around the country.

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Róisín Shortall: What will the Minister do about it?

Driver Licensing System. (4 May 2004)

Séamus Brennan: I propose to get through it. I do not propose to make any specific arrangements in the case of those with lapsed licences.