asked the Minister for Defence if he will make arrangements whereby drivers in the Defence Forces will be automatically eligible for civilian driving licences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Force Drivers.
125.
The question of exempting Army drivers from the necessity to undergo and pass the Department of Local Government driving test before qualifying for a civilian driving licence has been fully considered in consultation with that Department but it has not been found practicable to arrange for such exemption.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the difficulty experienced by a member of the Defence Forces in obtaining a driving licence from the Department of Local Government? He may not have a motor vehicle of his own on which he can practise and do the test. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it would be practicable when the person gets his Army driving licence to issue him with a civilian driving licence?
This would be a matter for the Department of Local Government who have very strict standards in regard to driving licences. I would imagine it would not be fair on other sections of the community if one section were given an exemption.
Is it not true that the training an Army driver receives is superior to that obtained by a civilian in a driving school? These people are more than competent in driving but they must undergo the awkward procedure of obtaining a local authority driving licence. When they finish their Army course they cannot obtain a job as a driver because they have not a civilian licence.
There is much merit in what the Deputy has said and I find it difficult to disagree with him. I will bring the matter to the attention of the authorities concerned.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state how an Army driver qualifies for a licence? Does he undergo a test?
In the normal way he goes through the ordinary test to which all citizens are subjected.
Does this not qualify him to hold a civilian licence?
When he goes into the Army he does not have to undergo a test as a civilian would be obliged to do.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary stating that an Army driver is not obliged to hold a driving licence?
The position is that when he becomes a member of the Defence Forces he undergoes rigorous tests under the aegis of the Department of Defence. A board of testers set the standards.
Is this not recognised by the Department of Local Government?
Unfortunately not.
Therefore, the conclusion to be drawn is that they are substandard drivers?
That is not the correct conclusion.
That is what the position would suggest.
I agree the situation is illogical to a certain extent——
We cannot have a debate at question time.
Is it a legal matter?
It is a legal matter to the extent that a member of the Defence Forces undergoes a normal test when he enters the Forces but when he comes out of the Forces he must undergo a test having regard to the regulations and standards set down by the Department of Local Government.