Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 677: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on legislation regarding essential driver training introduced in April 2011; and if consultation was undertaken in advance of introducing this piece of legislation. [5491/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Essential Driver Training (EDT), which I introduced last April, requires learner car drivers to undertake a course of compulsory lessons before taking the driving test. EDT is one of nine components in the development of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for Ireland. Taken together, these components will contribute significantly to the quality of driving on our roads, and so to road safety.

The development of detailed proposals for the GDL was undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), and the process included extensive consultation during 2009. EDT was one of the specific proposals to be developed following this exercise.

I understand from the RSA that it engaged extensively with Approved Driving Instructors during the development process for the EDT programme itself.