Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce driver education classes in post-primary schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21685/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt may be of interest to the Deputy that even in the primary curriculum, there is incremental provision for children to learn aspects of road safety that are particularly relevant to them, including pedestrian and cycling safety.
At post-primary level, there are no plans to introduce mandatory driver education classes, but it is important to point out that basic tuition to lay a foundation in driver education is actually featured on many school curricula already.
Transition Year is currently taken by almost 70% of post-primary students and an optional Road Safety programme for Transition Year has been developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Professional Development Service for Teachers, and has been offered nationally as an option since September 2008. The programme is available in twenty hour and forty-five hour units. It features inputs from agencies such as the ambulance service, fire service and An Garda Síochána, as well as providing for visiting speakers, trips out of school, projects and case studies.
The programme provides for an introduction to road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists, and covers such issues as seatbelts and airbags, driver fatigue, drink/drug driving, enforcement, basic first aid at road crashes, emergency services and rehabilitation. The programme is also supported by digital resources, including DVD support and access to international websites on road safety issues. Relevant Driver Theory Test learning is included at the end of each module. The programme does not include driving lessons.
