asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that there is a delay of between six weeks and three months before driving tests are carried out in the Cork city and county area; and if he will take steps to expedite the holding of such tests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Tests in Cork.
11.
Mr. Barrett
The time lag between receipt of an application and the carrying out of the test in the Cork area is approximately six weeks. A greater lag will occur where an incomplete application is made or, what is causing me concern, where a candidate fails to attend for test at the time appointed. I am keeping the position under review and will take all steps in my power to ensure that the time lag is kept to a minimum.
Can the Minister say if he will be in a position to appoint further inspectors to speed up the work which has been delayed in areas besides Cork?
We have very recently appointed additional inspectors and the delay has been cut down to a period not exceeding six weeks. The delay was much greater than that, not only in Cork but in other parts of the country. We are trying as best we can to work off the backlog but the indications are that with the staff now available and the number of applications coming in, we will not be able to cut the period any further.