Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Transport when compulsory basic training for motorcyclists will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 181 on Wednesday, 21st February, 2007.

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. In this context the Road Safety Authority is responsible for bringing forward proposals for the introduction of compulsory initial practical training for motorcyclists.

A consultation document seeking the views of stakeholders was published by the Road Safety Authority on 1 March 2007 and submissions may be made to the Road Safety Authority until 27 April 2007. Following this process a formal scheme of training for novice motorcyclists will be developed and rolled out.