Sinn Fein welcomes Poots licensing proposals

Mr McKay said: “A number of months ago, in light of the unacceptable carnage on our roads, Sinn Fin called on the Minister to consider the introduction of a Graduated Licencing Scheme as one way of addressing the increasing number of road deaths. I believe that any new requirements should apply not only to young drivers – they should apply to all new drivers.

"Being a safe and responsible driver takes a combination of knowledge, experience, skill and attitude. Given the level of deaths on our roads I believe that there is a need for serious reassessment of how we view the licensing of new drivers.

"Many countries have established a system of Graduated Licensing requirements which have proved successful in reducing road deaths, particularly among new and young drivers. But new licensing requirements alone will not transform driving habits. I believe that there needs to be a parallel focus on driver tuition and I believe it should be incorporated into the school curriculum for students sixteen years-old and up.

"In the absence of a State Insurance Agency, commercial insurance companies should be encouraged to offer special rates to first time drivers who have completed a relevant Government Department approved Intensive Driving Course, encompassing all aspects of road safety and driver awareness.

"A graduated licence scheme could be rolled out over a specified period of time and combine certain restrictions with periodic practical road tests in differing traffic conditions before graduating to a full driving licence. I would call on the Minister of Environment to investigate best practice in other countries with a view to overhauling the licencing requirements here in an effort to save lives."