56 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Transport the grants which are available from his Department towards the provision of a driving school or classroom centre which would be beneficial to young learner drivers; and his views on making funds available for this type of project. [17659/06]

The potential for raising awareness of road safety issues in the education system is one that is kept under constant review in consultation with the Minister for Education. However there are no grants available for driving schools to provide lessons to young drivers. Such lessons are commercially available and the cost is a relatively small element in commencing to drive. I will shortly be publishing a consultation document in relation to a driving instructors register that will be operated by the Road Safety Authority to set and maintain standards of tuition for all.