Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
109. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the roll out of the National Driver Licensing Service; if he is satisfied that the delays which were being encountered at initial stages of the roll-out have been rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7529/14]
View answer121. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a full and complete assessment of the reasons the National Driver Licensing Service driving licence renewal process is in utter chaos and is now in the hands of three different companies; the way this can be seen as a cost saving and efficient measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7792/14]
View answer133. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the legislation covering the processing of the new drivers' licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7525/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109,121 and 133 together.
The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Neither I nor my Department is involved in the processing of driver licence applications. However, I do appoint the board of the RSA and they receive some funding from my Department.
The Government decided in May 2011 to create a centralised NDLS under the RSA. This decision was based on an examination of options for delivering driver licensing which showed considerable benefits from centralisation in terms of efficiency, uniformity of service, and security. In addition, centralisation freed up significant numbers of staff in the local authorities for other work.
The NDLS is structured with a central unit in the RSA and three outsourced contractors. These are: a card producer for the plastic card licence; a front office to engage with the public; and a back office to process applications.
There have been a lot of problems with the speed of processing applications in the NDLS since the system came on stream last October. I have had regular discussions with the acting CEO of the RSA regarding the difficulties people have experienced, and how the RSA proposed to address them. The RSA acknowledged that there were teething problems when the service opened. Some were technical and systems issues, while others related to new staff becoming familiar with rules and processes around driving licences and permits. However, the system is improving.
The RSA responded by increasing resources in NDLS centres experiencing delays, as well as in the licence processing centre, and providing further training to staff. There are no major technical difficulties now affecting the service. A booking system to allow for customers to make appointments has been operating in a Pilot Phase which was successful. This system is now being extended on a phased basis to all NDLS offices.
While I understand that there are still some backlogs in relation to applications, the situation has improved. I have been informed that licence applications that are fully and correctly completed are being issued in a shorter timeframe than previously and work is continuing to achieve the target turnaround period of 8 days. The RSA has assured me that the remaining backlog largely has been cleared. The NDLS can also respond to urgent situations where a licence is needed for travel abroad or for work purposes.
I am satisfied that the policy of centralising driver licensing in the RSA is the right one, and that the legislation which the Oireachtas passed to provide for this is appropriate. I have no plans to review the legislation.
