U-turn proves they are out of touch

TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey’s U-turn on learner drivers is a clear indication that the Government is completely out of touch with the people. This Government is making life a struggle for thousands of people, a fact they can’t seem to grasp.

Firstly, the Taoiseach decided to hold the general election during on a weekday when the majority of students couldn’t get home to vote.

Then the Government allowed house prices to spiral out of control, so now any young person looking to buy a house faces years of serious debt.

The only option young people have is to buy a house miles away from where they grew up or work and face long commutes every day.

Now Minister Dempsey has decided to penalise learner drivers by imposing fines of up to €1,000 on them if they are found to be driving alone from the end of next June.

It certainly is not the fault of any learner driver if, for the last number of years, there are backlogs of almost a year in driving test centres around the country.

The Government displayed astonishing indifference and arrogance when making a decision with such a devastating effect on thousands of young people.

Isn’t it great to be young?

Well not really in Ireland today.

Caitríona Fitzpatrick

Hybreasal House

South Circular Road

Dublin 8