73 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport when driving instruction will become State regulated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12686/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 163 on Wednesday, 21st February, 2007.

On the 19 June last I launched a document entitled "Consultation on the Regulation of Driving Instruction in Ireland" which was prepared by my Department.

In the document it was proposed that from 1 July 2007 all new entrants to the driving instruction industry must be approved and registered before being allowed to instruct for reward and that existing driving instructors must be approved and registered by 1 July 2008.

This area is now the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and I understand that the Road Safety Authority plan to commence the regulation process for new entrants to the industry starting on 1 July 2007.