Written answers

Tuesday, 7 November 2006

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 396: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of additional driving testers appointed since the most recent recruitment campaign; the number of drivers that he will appoint within the next six months; the number of applications received for the driver testing positions; the number of candidates placed on a panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36172/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The number of applications received for the most recent Driving Tester recruitment campaign was 4276. There were a total of 18 persons placed on a panel, from which 11 persons have been appointed on a two-year contract basis. The number of driver testers to be appointed in the next six months is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 397: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to implement a graduated licensing system for learner drivers; when he intends to bring forward legislation for such a system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36173/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 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. At my request the Road Safety Authority has been examining the driver licensing system, as to what further reforms might be introduced in the interests of road safety. I refer the Deputy to my reply to priority questions 1 and 2 on the 2 November in which I indicated that the RSA has submitted to me a range of proposals with a particular focus on licensing reform and on targeting drivers between 17 and 24 years old.

I equally share the concern of the RSA Board about the high risk factors of death and serious injury to this particular category of drivers and I will be considering these proposals in the coming weeks. I also met with the Chief Executive of the RSA and asked that the Authority come back to me as soon as possible with a structured approach to a complete transition, with time lines, from the current regime of provisional licences to a regime of learner permits and restricted category drivers and related learner/drivers formation arrangements. I intend to meet the RSA Board in the coming weeks to discuss these matters.

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