Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
795. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the work of the Learner Driver Support Programme (details supplied); the actions he will take to engage with their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2355/26]
View answer796. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider meeting with the operators of the Learner Driver Support Programme (details supplied) to discuss their work and offer support to their cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2356/26]
View answer799. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of creating a mechanism for a pilot programme of the Learner Driver Support Programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2359/26]
View answer800. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport regarding any research ongoing within his Department into the experiences of other countries/ districts that have implemented a Learner Driver Support Programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2360/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 795, 796, 799 and 800 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all operational, application and scheduling matters. I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to the RSA for direct reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Pending this response, under Action 7A of the Phase 2 Action Plan of the Road Safety Strategy the Road Safety Authority will 'enhance the learning to drive programme based on evidence from international best practice, in tandem with improvements in the driving test'.
To inform its work in this area, the RSA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the driver testing curriculum, in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology. The objective of this work is to ensure the service is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and capable of adapting to advancements in vehicle technology. It will also take into account international best practice in this area. I am informed that this work is at an advanced stage and that recommendations designed to enhance driver education in Ireland will be presented to my Department in early 2026. Once the review is completed this will inform the next stage towards enhancing the learning to drive programme and fully delivering on Action 7A of the Phase 2 Road Safety Action Plan.
The Deputy may also wish to note that I met with the founders of the Learner Driver Support Programme in May 2025 and I am informed they have separately met with my officials and officials working in the RSA.
