Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a number of incidents nationally involving cars that have been sold to underaged, unlicensed and uninsured drivers and the harm that is being done nationwide due to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24778/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Under section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004, it is an offence to supply a mechanically propelled vehicle to a minor. A person found guilty of this offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both. “Supply” includes supply by way of sale, hire, loan, gift, or other means of making the vehicle available to a person.

There is no legal requirement to hold a valid driving licence or car insurance in order to purchase a vehicle, nor should there be. A person - an adult - may purchase and own a vehicle which another person may drive on their behalf. The driving of a vehicle, however, does require a licence and insurance.

Enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts and the enforcement of criminal law generally is a matter for the Gardaí.