Vol. 514 No. 4
161 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the funds drawn down to date by the driving instructors register since its inception; the conditions, if any, which had to be fulfilled to draw down this funding; if all of these conditions were fulfilled prior to the payment of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4451/00]
Before funding was agreed to the voluntary driving instructor register in 1996, the register had to satisfy my Department that its organisation and structures would be capable of achieving and maintaining a high standard of driving instruction among its members. In order to become a qualified instructor under the scheme, it is necessary to pass a three-part examination and be subject to regular review. The DIR also had to demonstrate that it had wide acceptance among driving instructors by showing that it had at least 300 members.
These conditions were met and the DIR has received funding amounting to £120,000 from my Department to date. Financial support has also been provided by the Irish Insurance Federation.
In accordance with the Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 the financial assistance provided in 1999 included an amount which enabled the DIR to obtain ISO 9002 quality certification.
162 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to establish a driving instructors register on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4452/00]
I recently announced proposals for the compulsory competence testing of driving instructors from the 1 January 2002. These proposals also provide for the recognition of approved bodies meeting agreed driving instruction standards and criteria and the exemption from individual competence testing of driving instructors who are registered with these bodies.
