Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014
603. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costs involved in setting up the national driver licence service; if personal attendance is required for licence renewal in other jurisdictions; the current delays and waiting lists for services provided by the NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46144/14]
View answerThe operation of the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. This includes the cost of establishing the NDLS, which was born by the Authority and did not involve Exchequer funding. I have therefore referred this part of the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
With regard to the services operated by the NDLS, while there were a number of difficulties initially, I am satisfied that the NDLS has the appropriate measures in place to address the problems which arose. In particular, the NDLS has taken a number of measures to address demand at its public offices since opening. These include: providing extra staff at centres experiencing high demand; additional training (which will increase efficiency and therefore throughput of customers); and the setting up of an online booking facility to make appointments. In addition, it has opened two new centres, one in Dublin and one in Cork. I am assured that the RSA ensures that properly presented and fully completed applications for licences are issued within a five to eight working day period.
I cannot comment on what practices may operate in other jurisdictions with regard to licence renewal.
