Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Mar 2001

Vol. 531 No. 5

Written Answers. - Driving Licences.

Ivor Callely

Question:

21 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures that he has considered to improve the number of provisional licence holders who will have a qualified driver accompany them while driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6062/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the enforcement of the driving licence legislation is given a high priority by the gardaí. The number of prosecutions taken for the past five years for which figures are available in respect of all driving licence offences is as follows:

Year	Number of prosecutions for driving licence offences
1999	44,300
1998	39,191
1997	36,107
1996	38,371
1995	43,474

Prosecution figures for all driving licence offences for the year 2000 to date are not yet published.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of the Garda road safety initiative for 2001 Operation Target is focusing on young drivers. The operation deals with driving licence offences including offences relating to unaccompanied drivers who are on provisional licences.

In addition to enforcement, Operation Target involves the distribution of leaflets to young drivers giving advice in relation to the requirement to be accompanied while driving on a provisional licence; the display of L plates; wearing seat belts; and driving with care, courtesy and consideration. This campaign is also operating under the overall Garda road safety campaign, Operation Lifesaver, which is focusing on speeding, drink driving, seat belt offences and dangerous-careless driving. In addition to the measures taken by the gardaí which I have outlined, the Deputy will be aware that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government who has responsibility for road traffic legislation has also put in place a number of measures in relation to driver testing and competency. These measures include the recruitment of additional testers, the reduction of the test waiting time and the planned introduction of a written test.