asked the Minister for Local Government whether a member of the Irish Army, qualified to drive saloon vehicles and heavy trucks who holds a safe driving certificate from the United Nations, will be required to pass a driving test when he leaves the Army if he wishes to continue driving.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Test for Army Man.
47.
There are no exemptions whatever from the rule that to qualify for a driving licence the applicant must have held one in the preceding five years or have passed the driving test. In regard to Army personnel, the Department of Defence and my Department are at present co-operating with a view to working out a scheme whereby Army drivers will be able to qualify for driving licences within the frame of this rule.
Surely this matter was brought to the attention of the Minister's predecessor two years ago and is it not rather ridiculous that these people should be asked to do a driving test?
It is not ridiculous, but it is desirable that some form of co-operation between the two Departments be worked out.
Should it take two years after the matter was first raised to have this co-operation?
I do not know how long it has been since the matter was first raised. I only have Deputy Tully's word for it that it has been two years.
The Minister can look up the debates.