Vol. 525 No. 2
700 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he plans to complete the computerisation of the national driver file; the reason for the delay in completing this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24763/00]
The computer application for creating and maintaining a national driver file is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. The next stage will be to install the system in over 30 motor taxation offices throughout the country. This will involve converting all the existing driver information to a single database and setting up a countrywide network linking all the motor taxation offices to the central driver database in Shannon. It is planned to have this completed and to have a national driver file in place by the end of 2001.
The creation of a national driver file has been linked to a major project to develop a single national system for motor taxation. The central element of the motor taxation system has been operating successfully in Shannon for the last two years. A pilot of the motor taxation office element of the system identified some technical issues which delayed completion and roll-out of the system with consequential delays in the completion of the driver element. These technical difficulties have now been resolved.
