Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have no legislative proposals on hands at present to pursue a measure of the nature referred to by the Deputy. Any proposal to permit drivers who have been disqualified to re-sit their driving test would have to undergo a detailed consultation process with the Road Safety Authority who have responsibility for the delivery of the driving test and the issuing of certificates of competency.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to reform of the driver testing system, 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. The Road Safety Authority has made a submission to my Department concerning licensing reforms including the introduction of learner permits. These proposals are under consideration in my Department.

As regards the regulation of driving instruction, the Road Safety Authority also has responsibility for this function and I understand that examination of persons seeking to be approved driving instructors will be commenced by the Road Safety Authority in July 2007 and that all instructors will have to be approved by 1 January 2009 before being allowed to instruct for reward.