Vol. 504 No. 2
237 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the situation regarding recruitment of additional driving inspectors to alleviate the long waiting lists for a driving test; the necessary qualifications for a driving instructor; and the situation regarding the recruitment of these inspectors. [11269/99]
Arrangements are being made to address the present unsatisfactory situation in relation to waiting periods for driving tests through the recruitment of additional driver testers, both on a permanent and contract basis.
Arising from a recent recruitment competition organised by the Civil Service Commission 33 candidates were placed on a panel for permanent appointment as driver testers.
To date eight candidates have been appointed to permanent positions of driver tester and my Department will be appointing a further four permanent driver testers shortly. All other candidates on the panel have been offered temporary contract positions of driver tester and of those 13 have accepted and taken up duty. Arrangements are also being made to appoint a further five contract driver testers.
In addition, seven candidates from the previous Civil Service Commission panel were appointed to contract positions in November 1998. The combined arrangements involve the engagement of 37 extra testers which is a 56 per cent increase in testing capacity.
A prerequisite of the last competition conducted by the Civil Service Commission was that candidates must possess the following qualifications: a good general education; and a satisfactory knowledge of the Rules of the Road, road procedures and the law relating to road traffic in so far as it concerns the driver of a mechanically-propelled vehicle; and at least five years' satisfactory driving experience within the seven years ending on 25 June 1998; and a general understanding of the working of mechanically-propelled vehicles; and possess report writing skills with particular reference to accuracy, clarity and conciseness; and a clean driving licence (other than a provisional licence) valid in the State on the day of the test; and possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing, the capacity to remain calm and courteous in dealing with applicants; and otherwise possess the requisite knowledge and ability and be suitable to enter on the discharge of the duties of the position.
