Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 634: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the members of the Road Safety Authority, RSA; the authority's policy on driving testing learner drivers; if he will provide details of the authority's learner driver forum members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31166/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In September of this year, following the expiry of the term of the original Board of the Road Safety Authority, I appointed a new Board consisting of a mix of experience from the previous Board and some new members. The new Board consists of the following (reappointed members are marked with a *): Mr Gay Byrne* (Chair); Ms Áine Cornally*; Dr Áine Carroll; Mr Seán Finan; Ms Myra Garrett*; Mr Aaron McHale*; Mr Ronan Melvin; and Mr Edward Rock. The appointment of the Chair is subject to his appearance before the Oireachtas Committee. I understand that Mr. Byrne is scheduled to appear before the Committee on 15th November 2011.

The driving test is a legal requirement in order to receive a full driving licence, and requirements for the test are set out in law rather than as a matter of RSA policy. Details of the test requirements are set out in Regulation 26 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 537 of 2006). Learners must hold a learner permit for at least six months before taking the test and, as of April 2011, new learner car drivers must also undertake mandatory lessons before being allowed to take the test.

The RSA, as part of its work, engages with key stakeholders through a variety of means on many matters. Any forum operated by the RSA is the responsibility of the Authority itself. I have, therefore, referred that part of the Deputy's question, relating to a learner drivers forum, to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.