Vol. 513 No. 1
97 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay in introducing theory testing for provisional drivers; when he will introduce this test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1601/00]
I assume that the question refers to driver theory testing which is being procured on a PPP basis. Consultants have been engaged to assist in the preparation of tender documents to this end, in the evaluation of tender proposals and in the drawing up of appropriate legal and contractual arrangements for the appointment of a contractor.
98 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total number of current provisional driving licences; the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce the number of provisional drivers on the roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1579/00]
As indicated in reply to Question No. 98 of 16 November 1999, an estimated 371,000 provisional licences were current as at 31 December 1998.
The Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 acknowledged the importance of driver training and testing, with the qualification that these could not be expected to yield road safety benefits on the scale of measures directly targeted at speeding, alcohol and seat belt wearing which have been prioritised by the strategy. The strategy proposed, for the longer term, a significant reduction in the number of Irish drivers relying on a provisional licence.
In order to attain this longer term goal, the short-term priority must be to restore waiting periods for driving tests to acceptable levels. I have already outlined, in the reply to Questions Nos. 81 and 101 and 558 on today's Order Paper, the significant additional measures and resources now being deployed to support this process.
Measures have been in place for some years, and will be maintained, to limit the indefinite holding of provisional licences.
