Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the new research from the Road Safety Authority which indicated that learner drivers are responsible for more than one in five fatal crashes in 2008; his views on Garda figures which show that almost 14,000 learner drivers have been caught driving unaccompanied or without learner signs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware that learner drivers are involved in road collisions to a disproportionate degree, not only in Ireland but in many jurisdictions. I am prepared to introduce any appropriate measures which will bring about an improvement in this situation.

Actions 72, 73 and 74 of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 – 2012 relate to the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS), and the Strategy outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to the GDLS. The aim of a GDLS is to improve driver learning and reduce accidents involving learner drivers.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) undertook a consultation process on a GDLS in 2009, which contained a number of possible measures. The RSA has considered the responses from the public and interested bodies and has recently submitted its recommendations to my Department. Those recommendations are being considered carefully within my Department at present.

Issues relating to Garda enforcement of traffic regulations are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.