Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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154. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of learner drivers involved in fatal road traffic collisions in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the number of those that were driving unaccompanied at the time of the fatal crash in each year; the number of persons that died in each crash in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24630/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that road safety remains a high priority for An Garda Síochána and for my Department, working closely in cooperation with the Department of Transport.  Any fatality or serious injury is of great concern.

An Garda Síochána is responsible for collating information regarding road traffic collisions.  I am informed that the following details the number of learner drivers involved in fatal road traffic collisions in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020:

In 2017, 15 fatal collisions, resulting in 17 fatalities, involved at least one learner driver or motorcyclist.  In 14 of those collisions, the driver or motorcyclist was unaccompanied. 

In 2018, 8 fatal collisions, resulting in 8 fatalities, involved at least one learner driver or motorcyclist. In 5 of those collisions, the driver or motorcyclist was unaccompanied

In 2019, 10 fatal collisions, resulting in 10 fatalities, involved at least one learner driver or motorcyclist.  In 7 of those collisions, the driver or motorcyclist was unaccompanied.

As at 16 September 2020, 7 fatal collisions, resulting in 7 fatalities, in 2020 have involved at least one learner driver or motorcyclist. In each of those collisions, the driver or motorcyclist was unaccompanied.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner has established the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau (GNRPB) to ensure a consistent approach to road safety and enforcement of road traffic legislation across the country.  This is achieved through coordination of enforcement and development of policy based on research and analysis of statistics and by engaging in campaigns in partnership with other State Agencies.