EU plans could see 16 year olds allowed drive with speed limiters.
However it has been met with criticism from road safety groups.
The European Union plans to allow teenagers to drive any car that has been adapted with a speed-limiting device set at 45 km/h.
However, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) is calling for the plan to be dropped.
It has recommended investments in public transport, with reduced ticket prices for younger people, as an alternative to driving and riding, also at places and times when young people are partying.
The proposal was part of plans announced last month to revise driving licence rules in the bloc.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae believes it's a good idea:
“Allowing people to drive a car – people are already allowed to drive a tractor at that age – it would be good for them,” he said.
“It would be good for rural Ireland; it would help keep people living there because they'd be able to assist parents and grandparents by running errands.
“We should be encouraging young people; we should be helping them to get going in life.”
