Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

Is that so? Nonetheless, the case in point is that of the provisional driving licence. While the Minister made the correct decision to clamp down on provisional drivers, nothing has happened since and chaos has resulted. On 7 May last year, the Minister admitted there were almost 300,000 provisional licence holders and, if those holding fourth provisional licences were included, the figure was even higher.

The system cannot cope with such numbers. In County Carlow there is now a waiting time of almost 13 months, which has a devastating effect on younger drivers who in total pay an extra €15 million in insurance. The Minister spoke of a significant reduction in insurance premia but this has not happened. It is a matter of urgency because, while drivers are waiting to be tested they are being loaded by the insurance companies.

A recent newspaper report highlighted the issue of driver fatigue, which is obviously a knock-on effect of urban sprawl and the necessity for drivers to travel for many hours. The report stated that 20% of all fatal crashes were due to driver fatigue. Has the Minister plans to introduce systems to prevent this? All drivers get tired. Despite opening car windows or turning up the music volume, it has been proven that such measures have no effect and also that one can fall asleep with one's eyes open. To lose consciousness for a short period while driving could be devastating.