I am informed by the Garda authorities that Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs) are issued for learner drivers unaccompanied by a qualified driver. The number of Fixed Charge Notices issued for Learner Drivers unaccompanied by a qualified driver was as follows:
FCNs Issued for Learner Drivers Unaccompanied
Year
|
FCNs issued
|
2019
|
6,145
|
Jan-June 2020
|
2,776
|
The Deputy will be aware that the "Clancy Amendment" seeks to penalise car owners who knowingly allow their vehicles to be used by an unaccompanied learner driver. The new law provides for the owners of these vehicles to be fined and as well as providing the Gardaí with the power to seize vehicles driven by unaccompanied drivers.
I have been informed that the number of vehicle seizures under the Clancy Amendment is as follows:
Vehicles Seized Under Clancy Amendment
Year
|
Vehicles seized
|
2019
|
2,510
|
Jan-June 2020
|
1,441
|
The Courts Service has advised me that the number of unaccompanied learner drivers who were convicted between 01/01/2019 and 30/06/2020 and the number of unaccompanied learner drivers on whom a fine was imposed during that period in the District Court are as follows:
Provisional Learner Driver Unaccompanied by a Qualified Driver
Period
|
No. of Persons Fined
|
No. of Persons Convicted
|
01.01.2019 - 31.12.2019
|
559
|
592
|
01.01.2020 - 30.06.2020
|
115
|
117
|