Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will publish his plans for green driving tests and enhanced eco-driving education; if he will report on the key headings and objectives of the proposed green driving tests and eco-driving plans; if legislation will be necessary for the new eco-driving measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28389/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Smarter Travel, the Government policy on Sustainable Transport, proposes a number of initiatives relating to eco-driving and driver behaviour.

I have established a joint working group between the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the National Sustainable Travel Office (NSTO) of my Department to develop a structured overall plan to ensure that eco driving becomes part of the driving culture. Progress to date is as follows: · Eco driving has featured in both the Change and Power of 1 campaigns.

· The RSA has ensured that compulsory annual training of drivers of certain categories of vehicles includes an eco driving element.

· The registration of driving instructors is almost completed and the RSA propose including a module in compulsory basic training (initially these will only affect motorcyclists) related to eco driving.

· The RSA are also looking at changes to the Rules of the Road and driving test.

Any changes to the national driving test to include eco driving measures will require to legislation by way of secondary legislation.