asked the Minister for Local Government if he has completed the inquiries proposed in regard to the competence of the staffs of the various schools of motoring; and, if so, his findings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motoring Schools Staffs.
18.
I have not yet completed my examination of questions of the control of the qualifications and licensing of driving instructors.
Could I ask the Minister to bear in mind that complaints continue to reach me in regard to the matter about which I previously complained to him? I could show the Minister some correspondence giving examples of utter inefficiency, lack of uniformity, and so on.
I take the points Deputy S. Flanagan is making. The proposals entail a substantial amount of research work by the Department. One point I should make is that professional driving instruction has not been fully developed yet throughout the country. Thirty per cent of the candidates presenting themselves for driving tests are pupils of driving schools as compared with 75 per cent in Britain. Professional driving instruction is on a small scale in this country. I agree that something will have to be done as a top priority to tighten up the matter.
Could the Minister say when he might be in a position to make a further report?
I would not like to put a date on it. I would suggest that perhaps after the Summer Recess I might be able to give a more definite reply to the Deputy.