My naive way of looking at it is either he's a risk, or he's not. The only reason he has a learner permit is because the state doesn't recognise his foreign license, yet permits him to drive for 12 months using it; however, he can't become a named driver on my policy because my insurance company is refusing to insure anyone over 50 who hasn't previously held an Irish license. No proof of driving experience was requested (and it is available). I in turn can't afford to risk changing my insurance company because of the various loyalty discounts, no-claims bonuses, and other lock-ins; so much for shopping around.
This person's only option is to pay about €350 for unnecessary (but mandatory) driving lessons, then face probably €2500-€3500 for a year's insurance (yes, we asked). Actually, there is another option: get back on the plane.
One need not wonder why we can't attract the diaspora home.