Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Paul McGrath

Ceist:

546 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the printing and distribution of booklets dealing with the theory test for obtaining a driving licence is operated from the United Kingdom; if this is so, the circumstances in which this situation has arisen; the costs associated with this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11416/03]

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

547 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if the booklet for the theory test which learner drivers have to undertake as part of the competency test originates or is published in Manchester; if telephone queries from applicants here are dealt with likewise in Manchester; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11501/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.

The driver theory testing service is operated as a public private partnership project. The contract for the delivery of the service was awarded to Prometric Thomson Learning, a company based in Manchester, following a tendering process conducted in accordance with EU rules on public procurement. The company operates a call centre in Manchester through which test applications are processed. All telephone calls to the call centre are charged at the lo-call rate. A separate company, Prometric Ireland Limited, has been established here to operate the service. The contract grants an exclusive licence to the contractors involved to publish and distribute the question bank.

John Perry

Ceist:

548 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be called for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11669/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

A driving test will be arranged as soon as possible for the person concerned.