Vol. 482 No. 3
258 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will set up a register for driving instructors in view of the recent number of road fatalities in order to bring about a higher standard of driving in this country; and the requirements, if any, which exist before an individual can open a school of driving. [17929/97]
A voluntary scheme of registration of driving instructors, the Driving Instructor Register of Ireland Limited, has been established jointly by two national associations representing motor schools and driving instructors in association with the Irish Insurance Federation and with financial assistance from my Department and the Federation. The scheme aims to raise the standard of driving instruction and, by extension, the standard of driving generally and provides for reduced car insurance premiums for drivers, including young drivers, who complete a course of instruction with a qualified instructor. It will be appropriate to monitor the progress of this scheme for a period of time before contemplating any more formal regulation of driving instruction. The legal requirements for giving instruction are a full driving licence and the appropriate car insurance.
