Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I understand that the question relates to circumstances where a learner driver is not accompanied by a qualified driver.

Learner drivers are issued with learner permits subject to certain conditions, one of which is having an accompanying qualified driver. The permit is not a licence, but a permit to drive while learning, and learners must be accompanied by a qualified driver in order to be covered by the terms of their permits.

When a learner driver is identified driving unaccompanied, they receive in the first instance a fixed charge notice with a charge of €80. This places the offence in the highest bracket for fixed charges. If they do not pay the fixed charge and are subsequently convicted in court they face a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence, and €2,000 and/or up to three months in prison for a third or subsequent offence within a twelve month period. They will also receive 2 penalty points on payment of a fixed charge or 4 on conviction in court.

I have no plans at present to allow An Garda Síochána to seize vehicles driven by unaccompanied learners, but I remain open to considering any measures which will improve road safety.