Vol. 574 No. 1
419 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving testers operating in Kilkenny and Carlow; his plans to increase this number in view of the waiting lists in both counties for tests; the other action he intends to take to reduce the number of weeks waiting in Kilkenny from 40 and in Carlow from 41; the average number of tests taken in each county over the past six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26162/03]
There are currently 13 driver testers assigned to the south-east region covering six test centres including Kilkenny and Carlow test centres. Two driver testers are headquartered in the Kilkenny test centre and one in the Carlow test centre. In the six months up to 31 October 2003, 1,845 tests were scheduled for the Kilkenny test centre and 1,560 tests were scheduled for the Carlow test centre.
In order to reduce the waiting time for driving tests my Department has recruited eight retired driver testers. In addition a number of driver testers have completed working a bonus scheme to deliver additional tests. Driver testers continue to deliver additional tests by working overtime on Saturdays and at lunchtime.
