Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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571. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider the addition of driver education to the curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42425/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has been involved for a number of years in providing a comprehensive integrated road safety education programme in pre-school, primary, post-primary, third level and in the community. This has been done in partnership many organisations including my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Health & Safety Authority and the Higher Education Authority. As part of this, the RSA has developed a range of material that teachers can use to educate school children about road safety as it applies to all road users – pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and motorists. The resources are tailored to each user group. These are available on their website

In addition, while at post-primary level, there are no plans to introduce mandatory driver education classes, basic tuition to lay a foundation in driver education is featured on many school curricula already.

In relation to 16-18 year olds, there are opportunities built into the programmes for students to engage with the content of the driver theory test. For example, the 'Your road to safety' - Transition Year programme, consists of a 45-hour version and a 20-hour fast-track option. The programme provides important educational material and learning on road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists. It covers such issues as seatbelts and airbags, driver fatigue, drink/drug driving, road-safety engineering and enforcement, basic first aid at road crashes, emergency services and rehabilitation, licensing and insurance issues, the NCT, purchasing a car and driving abroad. The programme does not include driving lessons. However, relevant driver theory test content is included at the end of each module.