Vol. 525 No. 2
710 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will introduce practical initial training for motorcyclists; the current status of this training programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24778/00]
The Government Strategy for Road Safety 1998-2002 undertook to address the need for initial practical training for motorcyclists. In line with this undertaking, my Department is supporting an initiative by the Irish Motorcycle Action Group (MAG Ireland) to establish a network of motorcycle instructors, under the auspices of the Irish Rider Training Association (IRTA) for the purpose of providing initial practical training for motorcyclists before they go on the public road. I understand that to date nine persons have been certified by the IRTA as instructors and a further 41 persons are at various stages of the certification process.
