Vol. 500 No. 7
356 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the number of people waiting to sit exams for PSV licences has increased to present unprecedented levels; if the delay is due to the fact that a suitable premises cannot be found within which the tests can be sat; the measures, if any, he proposes to take to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5119/99]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in accordance with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 1963, as amended, applicants for a driver's licence for a small public service vehicle may apply on four specified dates i.e. on or between the first and fourteenth day, inclusive, of the months of March, June, September and December of each year.
An amendment to these regulations by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government in August 1998, relaxed the requirements in relation to applicants in full time employment. Consequently, there was an increase of in excess of 20 per cent in September 1998, in the number of applications – 610 – compared with the previous year – 503. The number of applications in December – 432 – was similar to the number in the previous year – 429.
In addition, the accomodation which was normally used for the holding of the examination for the granting of these licences became unavailable and it was necessary to seek an alternative venue. The Garda authorities have now secured suitable premises and the first test at this venue will be held on 25 February 1999.
I have been also informed by the Garda authorities that it is anticipated that all applications on hands will be processed in the next few weeks.
