Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Road Safety Authority plans to introduce mandatory driving lessons for new drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42707/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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In September 2010 the Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched proposals for the introduction of a graduated driver licensing (GDL) scheme. I endorsed these proposals before their launch and am committed to seeing them implemented. The GDL is made up of a total of nine proposals, one of which is compulsory basic training for learner drivers. A number of the proposals, including the requirement for learners to take lessons, will require primary legislation. It is my intention to publish a Road Traffic Bill to provide the necessary powers in 2011.