Driving Tests.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Questions (122)

John Bruton

Question:

176 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the reason, despite the fact that 130,000 persons are on the waiting list for the driving test, that eight driving tester vacancies remain unfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27025/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The authorised complement of driver testing staff in my Department is 130 which includes supervisory-management grades and both permanent and contract staff. My Department is in discussions with the Department of Finance with a view to filling eight existing vacancies in this area definitively. I am confident that these discussions will conclude satisfactorily before the end of the year. However, as an interim measure the driver testing corps has been supplemented by the engagement of six driver testers hired on a short-term basis.