Vol. 511 No. 6
320 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position of the voluntary register of driving instructors; the number of instructors registered to date; the supports available from his Department for this project; his views on whether legislation is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25149/99]
I understand that almost 600 driving instructors are currently enrolled under the voluntary driving instructor register – which has received financial support from my Department and the Irish Insurance Federation. In the context of the Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 my Department has provided additional financial assistance to the DIR which has enabled it to attain ISO 9002 certification. This quality certification should enhance confidence in, and recognition of, the DIR. The strategy for road safety also addressed the question of regulating private driving schools. It concluded that the DIR scheme should for the moment remain a voluntary one.
