Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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551. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce the incidence of the number of learner drivers driving unaccompanied; his views on the impact that this has on their insurance coverage in the event of an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22969/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Road Safety Authority runs advertising campaigns including through social media, in conjunction with An Garda ​Síochána, several times a year to highlight the responsibilities of learner drivers.  Recommendation 32 of the Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance  prepared by the Working Group on the Cost of Insurance http://www.finance.gov.ie/sites/default/files/170110%20Report%20on%20the%20Cost%20of%20Motor%20Insurance%202017.pdf concerns an arrangement to be made by my Department and the Road Safety Authority with the insurance industry which will entail the insurance industry promoting compliance with road safety legislation with a particular focus on learner drivers.  A draft Agreement has been drawn up by my Department and the Road Safety Authority and has been circulated to the insurance industry for their observations and agreement. What is envisaged is motor insurance companies outlining through a number of channels the duties and responsibilities of learner drivers, including making them aware of the serious consequences of any non-compliance with road safety legislation including of driving unaccompanied.

It is an offence for learner drivers to drive unaccompanied under the Road Traffic Acts and enforcement of this requirement is a matter for An Garda Síochána.  In addition, section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 2016 provides for the offence where the owner of a vehicle allows it to be driven by a learner driver driving unaccompanied. Legal advice, however, will be required before commencing the provisions.