Vol. 483 No. 3
284 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the proposals, if any, he has to recruit additional driver testers on a permanent or contract basis in view of the long delays of up to six months for driver testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20414/97]
Driver testers are recruited through open competition conducted by the Civil Service Commission. A competition to recruit additional permanent driver testers will be held in 1998.
Discussions with IMPACT, the Driver Testers Union, have so far failed to reach agreement on the deployment of contract driver testers. The matter has been referred to adjudication in accordance with arrangements agreed between the Government and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to deal with outstanding claims under the PCW pay agreement, and the findings of the Adjudication Board are now awaited.
