Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1920. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his plans to include penalty points for learners driving unaccompanied in the Road Traffic Bill being drafted at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38541/12]
View answer1921. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his plans to include penalty points for learners driving without L plates in the Road Traffic Bill being drafted at present; the number of points that he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38542/12]
View answer1923. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce penalty points for learners in the current Bill, in line with the system in Northern Ireland that is three points if driving without a qualified driver and three points for non display of L plates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38544/12]
View answer1925. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the progress made of legislation to implement a full graduated driving licence system; the timetable for publishing this legislation; when he expects the new licensing system to be fully operational; the main heads of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38588/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1920, 1921, 1923 and 1925 together.
The Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS) involves the implementation of nine measures which, taken together, will constitute a significant step forward in the driver learning process in Ireland. I believe that it will in turn make a valuable contribution to increasing safety on our roads.
Some of the measures have been implemented already, including compulsory driving lessons for learners and lower blood alcohol level for learner and novice drivers. Others will require new legislation and are being considered in the context of the new Road Traffic Bill. This includes consideration of adjustments to the penalty points regime in respect of learner drivers. That Bill is currently in preparation in my Department and, as I have previously indicated, I hope to publish the Bill early in 2013.
