Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply, which was nothing less or more than what I expected. I reiterate that by concentrating on just 6% of those who cause fatalities and collisions, and particularly by applying penalty points to this offence, we are coming down very hard on learner drivers. Does this really necessitate the imposition of penalty points? Things were hard enough for these drivers before this was done. I remind the House that many parts of rural Ireland are very isolated. I am not referring specifically to the Minister when I say it is very easy for people living in Dublin and other urban areas to say they can manage.

It is, however, proving difficult in rural areas. Minister, is there a possibility that some people drawn from expert groups such as driving instructors or the RSA could have one more look to see if there is anything we can do to alleviate this problem?