Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

100 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is unacceptable to have over one third of a million drivers on provisional licences, many of whom are waiting for over six months for driving tests; and the measures he now proposes to clear this considerable backlog. [16674/03]

Joan Burton

Question:

126 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date in discussions with the Department of Finance on a package of measures to address the backlog of driving test applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16864/03]

John Perry

Question:

147 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport the plans he has to address the driving test backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16693/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 126 and 147 together.

My Department has been involved in detailed discussion with the Department of Finance and representatives of the driver testers with a view to putting in place a package of measures to reduce the numbers awaiting a driving test. The measures include a short-term productivity scheme and recruitment of recently retired tes ters. A number of retired testers have expressed an interest in returning to work and it is hoped that six retired testers will be carrying out tests by mid-July. Details of the productivity scheme have been agreed and testers have been requested to indicate their availability to participate with effect from 23 June.