Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in terms of the recent figures released from the his Department that 45 unaccompanied learner drivers were involved in fatal crashes from 2009 to 2012, the number of unaccompanied learner drivers that were a fatality in these collisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30530/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that, of the 45 unaccompanied learner drivers involved in fatal road traffic collisions in the period 1 January 2009 to 21 June 2012, 26 were fatally injured. The Deputy will be aware that enforcement by An Garda Síochána continues to focus on high risk behaviour such as speeding, drink or drug driving, non-use of seatbelts, reckless driving, use of mobile phones while driving and on identified vulnerable road users, including learner drivers. In that regard, the Deputy will be also be aware that the Garda authorities conducted two specific enforcement operations targeting learner drivers, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority and other relevant stakeholders, this year on 1/2 March and 19 April 2012. A substantial number of cautions and proceedings arose as a result of these targeted initiatives. An Garda Síochána will continue to prioritise the enforcement of road traffic legislation to ensure greater compliance by learner drivers.