Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 July 2004
61 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the average waiting time for driving tests at each centre in the State; the steps being taken to reduce the long waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20415/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra85 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport the number of persons awaiting driving tests in each test centre; the waiting time at each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20311/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra255 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans for dealing with the driving test backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20582/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 85 and 255 together.
The average waiting times and numbers waiting for a driving test as at 5 July 2004 are set out in the table below. Driver testers continue to deliver additional tests by working overtime on Saturdays and at lunchtime. I have also asked my officials to explore the possibility of recruiting additional testers. Contracts have been extended for three retired driver testers and my Department is in the process of renewing contracts with another four retired testers.
Following a comprehensive review of the driver testing service, the Government approved the establishment of a driver testing and standards authority to deliver the driver testing service in accordance with pre-set performance standards. The proposed authority will also promote improved driving standards generally. The Driver Testing and Standards Authority Bill 2004, which will provide the statutory basis for the new authority, was published on 6 July 2004.
|
Test Centre |
Average Weeks Waiting |
Number of Applicants Waiting |
Test Centre |
Average Weeks Waiting |
Number of Applicants Waiting |
|
North Leinster |
South East |
||||
|
Finglas |
27 |
8,837 |
Carlow |
38 |
2,571 |
|
Dundalk |
29 |
2,958 |
Clonmel |
39 |
2,083 |
|
Mullingar |
25 |
1,733 |
Dungarvan |
43 |
1,617 |
|
Navan |
35 |
4,424 |
Kilkenny |
36 |
2,410 |
|
Raheny |
44 |
7,641 |
Nenagh |
37 |
778 |
|
South Leinster |
Port Laoise |
43 |
1,607 |
||
|
Churchtown-Rathgar |
32 |
11,721 |
Thurles |
50 |
1,218 |
|
Gorey |
35 |
1,889 |
Tipperary |
51 |
1,093 |
|
Naas |
19 |
6,569 |
Waterford |
51 |
3,423 |
|
Tullamore |
38 |
1,803 |
Wexford |
34 |
2,460 |
|
Wicklow |
36 |
2,152 |
South West |
||
|
Tallaght |
38 |
8,484 |
Cork |
21 |
6,237 |
|
West |
Killarney |
34 |
2,097 |
||
|
Athlone |
15 |
1,242 |
Kilrush |
33 |
507 |
|
Birr |
18 |
1,255 |
Limerick |
30 |
3,706 |
|
Castlebar |
20 |
2,228 |
Mallow |
27 |
2,079 |
|
Clifden |
11 |
352 |
Newcastle West |
28 |
1,708 |
|
Ennis |
10 |
984 |
Shannon |
29 |
1,015 |
|
Galway |
22 |
2,689 |
Skibbereen |
30 |
1,777 |
|
Loughrea |
13 |
813 |
Tralee |
22 |
1,925 |
|
Roscommon |
24 |
1,019 |
|||
|
Tuam |
23 |
1,154 |
|||
|
North West |
Ballina |
31 |
1,095 |
||
|
Buncrana |
24 |
660 |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
32 |
1,153 |
|
Cavan |
38 |
1,846 |
Donegal |
23 |
1,136 |
|
Letterkenny |
30 |
1,967 |
Longford |
27 |
1,006 |
|
Monaghan |
28 |
1,335 |
Sligo |
22 |
1,388 |
Note: the average waiting time is derived having regard to waiting times experienced by individual applicants who have undergone a driving test over the previous four week period in the test centre.
