Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has reviewed the recent increase in unaccompanied learner driver offences in the Dublin Metropolitan Northern region, where Garda figures show a rise from 200 incidents in Q2 2023 to 324 in Q2 2024, with vehicle seizures also rising from 142 to 203; if he will consider the introduction of a pilot Learner Driver Support Programme in high-need areas such as Dublin Bay North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21968/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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To drive a vehicle on a public road in Ireland, a driver must hold a full driving licence for that category of vehicle. Learner permit holders are not qualified drivers and must be accompanied by a full licence holder when driving. Under section 35A of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it is an offence to drive unaccompanied as a learner and enforcement of this legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. A review of the driver testing curriculum was identified as a priority, to ensure that the service is fit for purpose, future-proofed and can cope with changes in vehicle technology. International best practice and research will be considered in producing recommendations on improving driver education in Ireland.

To support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022.

As a condition of sanction, the RSA was required to put a plan in place to restore the 10-week waiting time target as soon as possible. I understand that the recruitment process is well underway, with the first tranche of new testers to enter live testing later this month. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and I expect that we will begin to see progress on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.

To alleviate pressure on the driver testing service, driver testing is offered on Saturdays, where driver testers are available to do overtime, and there are also additional morning and evening test slots offered where daylight allows. This has been the case since the current backlog in driving tests started to build up. Sunday overtime is not offered because, as the RSA needs to be mindful of working hours rules, Sunday overtime would not add any additional capacity to the testing service.