John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce compulsory basic training for motorcyclists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32191/05]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce compulsory basic training for car drivers and learners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32193/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 155 together.

The Government's strategy for road safety 2004 to 2006 identified speed, seatbelt wearing, driving while intoxicated, engineering measures and vulnerable road users as the key priority areas to be addressed over the coming years in terms of yielding road safety benefits. As regards motorcyclists, the strategy states that it is the intention over the course of the strategy to introduce compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists before they are permitted to drive alone on a public road. A working group comprising motorcycle interests has been considering the appropriate standards that will apply in this area and the standards with which instructors must comply. Overseeing the introduction of such training will be the responsibility of the proposed Road Safety Authority.

There are no proposals to introduce such compulsory training for other learner drivers. Proposals being developed by my Department for the regulation and quality assurance of driving instruction will involve a test of the competence of individual instructors to a set standard. The proposed Road Safety Authority will be responsible for implementing the standard of driving instruction and establishing a register of driving instructors.

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount of funding which was allocated to the winter road safety plan launched recently that involves advertising, press advertisements and poster advertising; and if he will make a statement on the issue of road safety. [32192/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The National Safety Council, NSC, is the agency mandated with responsibility for road safety advertising and education. The council has been allocated €3.965 million from the Exchequer in 2005. The council also receives funding from the Irish Insurance Federation, IIF, and from private sponsorship.

A joint National Safety Council-Garda Síochána winter road safety campaign, called "Arrive Alive", was launched on Monday, 24 October 2005. The campaign, which is costing €220,000, is being fully funded by the IIF.