Vol. 566 No. 1
553 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to recent media speculation regarding finances being provided for a bonus scheme to clear the backlog of driving test applications; the extra hours being put in place; the situation in relation to the backlog; the estimated costs of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12395/03]
598 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm in relation to the recent media speculation about the Department of Finance providing finances for a bonus scheme to clear the backlog of driving test applications, if anything has been put in place; the extra hours being put in place and the current situation in relation to the backlog; the estimated costs of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12373/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 553 and 598 together.
Some 130,000 applicants are awaiting a driving test compared with approximately 65,000 at the end of December 2002. Discussions between my Department and the Department of Finance are continuing on a package of measures to address the backlog of driving test applications, and I expect that these will be finalised shortly. As this is a matter under discussion, it is not appropriate to comment further.
