asked the Minister for the Environment if it is proposed to amend the regulations governing schools of motoring to ensure that it is not possible for a non-qualified driver to establish such a school and, if so, if he will give details of his proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schools of Motoring Regulations.
4.
No regulations have so far been made under the Road Traffic Acts governing this matter.
Is the Minister aware that a person who has never done a driving test or who has done a driving test and failed can now become a driving instructor?
I doubt that any person without a full licence would attempt to give driving lessons.
Is the Minister not aware that a person who has had two provisional licences and who has never done a driving test, or who, having done a driving test, failed, can, under the new regulations, get a full driving licence? Having got a full driving licence that person is free to instruct learner drivers.
I am glad to say that that has not happened. There is modest pressure on my Department from the driving schools in relation to regulations governing driving instructors. Only 40 per cent of those who apply for driving tests avail of the existing motoring schools.
Whether it has happened or not, will the Minister not agree that it can happen under the present regulation? People are not aware of the qualifications of driving instructors. When driving lessons are offered at reduced fees many people avail of them.
I agree with the Deputy that it could happen but I am not aware that it is happening. New regulations were introduced in the UK and it was found very difficult and expensive to operate them.
We are not interested in the UK.
The Deputy can be sure that the matter will be kept under review.
(Interruptions.)
Can the Minister define what "keeping the matter under review" means in this instance? Does it indicate the possibility that the Minister might introduce some legislation to ensure that people who pay for driving lessons can do so with the assurance that they will be instructed by somebody who is qualified and recognised by the Department?
It indicates that I would do so.
Can the Minister indicate when?
No.