A 17-year-old yesterday became one of the youngest convicted drink-drivers to seek the restoration of his driving licence.
Judge Mary Fahy expressed surprise when the youth - who was put off the road a year ago when he was 16 - appeared before her at Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, District Court. "He looks about 12 years of age, she said."
The judge said she might be old-fashioned but she would prefer the applicant was at least 18 before going on the road. Statistics showed youths were involved in a lot of accidents.
"If I do restore the licence and he goes out and is involved in a serious accident who will be to blame?" she asked.
When Mr Ward McEllin, solicitor, pointed out that the legal age for driving was 16, Judge Fahy asked: "Are the legislators always right?"
Garda Supt Michael Hussey agreed the defendant was a bit young. The percentage of young people involved in road accidents was very high.
Ordering that the licence be restored from July, when the applicant would be 18, the Judge said she would be much happier doing it that way.