Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

537. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given to introducing a driver's education class to the secondary school curriculum, particularly to be taught in transition year, similar to classes offered in US high schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37118/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A Road Safety programme for Transition Year has been available to schools since September 2008. It was developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Professional Development Service for Teachers. The programme features inputs from agencies such as the ambulance service, fire service and An Garda Síochána, as well as providing for visiting speakers, trips out of school, projects and case studies.

The programme provides for an introduction to road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists, and covers such issues as seatbelts and airbags, driver fatigue, drink/drug driving, enforcement, basic first aid at road crashes, emergency services and rehabilitation. The programme is also supported by digital resources, including DVD support and access to international websites on road safety issues. Relevant Driver Theory Test learning is included at the end of each module. The programme does not include driving lessons.

Under the revised Junior Cycle framework, schools will need to ensure that their students cover 24 Statements of Learning. One of the Statements of Learning is that the student should "take action to safeguard and promote their wellbeing and that of others". It is a matter for schools to determine how this might be implemented. It is, for example, open to schools to develop short courses at local level addressing this Statement of Learning including, should they so wish, curricular activities in relation to road safety.

My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further.