12 hours is still nothing, and 300/400 Euro is cheap compared to Contintental Europe.
Germany: avg 1700 Euro, Austria: 1500+
However, you get 20-25 hours of driver training, significant theory lessons. In Austria, yuo even have to do a specialised driver training after 2 years latest, which is another 200 Euro.
It does not in any way discourage new drivers in these countries.
I personally think that the Irish system is suboptimal. Introduce proper driver training, get rid of the "L" plate. This might actually save a few lifes.