I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 69 together.
The average waiting period nationally for a driving test is 28 weeks, although applicants requiring an early test for urgent reasons such as employment are generally tested within ten weeks or less. The longest waiting time, at 34 weeks, obtains at the Finglas test centre. There are currently some 66,000 applications for driving tests on hand nationally; 12,003 of these applicants have been given test appointments.
My Department is taking steps to improve the present unsatisfactory service for driving test applications. In addition to Saturday testing, the permanent driver testing corps is being increased and the negotiation of productivity measures is being advanced, which will increase testing out-put and permit the engagement of further testers on a contract basis.