asked the Minister for the Environment the number of driving tests conducted from 11 October 1979 to 22 December 1979 and if he will make a statement on the matter.
27.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Tests.
26.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number of applications for driving tests processed from 11 October 1979 to 22 December 1979.
28.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number of driving tests (a) conducted and (b) processed, from the period of 11 October 1977 to 22 December 1977 and for the same period in 1978.
29.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number of applicants seeking a driving test on 11 October tober in each of the years 1977, 1978, 1979 and on 31 January 1980.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 26 to 29 inclusive, together and, as the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, to have it circulated with the Official Report. Following is the statement:
|
11/10/1977 |
11/10/1978 |
11/10/1979 |
31/1/1980 |
|
Not available |
Not available |
65,000 (estd.) |
25,000 (estd.) |
|
Number of applications for driving tests received in quarter ended |
|||
|
31/12/1977 |
31/12/1978 |
31/12/1979 |
|
|
21,285 |
25,782 |
13,095 |
|
|
Number of driving tests conducted in quarter ended |
|||
|
31/12/1977 |
31/12/1978 |
31/12/1979 |
|
|
17,523 |
20,778 |
10,557 |
Notes:
(1) Driving test records are related to the calendar year and quarters. In so far as available, the figures given above relate as closely as possible to the dates and periods embraced by the Questions.
(2) It is not clear what the Deputy means by "Processed". Figures given are for applications received.
(3) The number of tests conducted in any period is generally lower than the number arranged. The difference is accounted for mainly by the failure of many applicants to attend for test, despite adequate advance notice. An unduly large number of applicants failed to attend for test in the quarter ended 31 December 1979.
Would the Minister tell the House whether the queue for driving tests has in fact remained virtually unchanged since the Minister's action in awarding driving licences to people on their second provisional licence? There was no connection between the fact that those people took out driving licences and the fact that they were still on the queue and did not turn up to take their driving tests?
It is a rather complicated reply and this is why it is in the form of a tabular statement. I would prefer the Deputy to have it in his possession to study it.
Could the Minister of State tell me if the name of anybody who was an applicant for a driving test and who was awarded a driving licence without having to take that test was automatically taken off the queue when he got his licence?
I am afraid I have not got that information.