Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
313. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport his plans to recruit driving testers to reduce the waiting times for driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the national driving test service and the employment of driver testers is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In early 2022, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service. This recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130.
The last increase in the number of permanent testers was in 2015. Anticipated future demand means that this is not going to be adequate into the future.
The Department considered the RSA’s request for these 30 additional posts and gave its approval in June 2022. This approval is subject to the condition that new testers are to be recruited via an Open Competition. An open competition is in line with the Code of Practice for Appointment to the Civil and Public Service, with appointments being made on merit and in an open, accountable, and transparent manner. Both the Department of Transport and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) are clear on this and the Authority has always been expected to adhere to the spirit of the Code in this and all other regards.
There is no alternative to following best practice in this matter. Neither the Department nor DPER can sanction any proposal for a confined competition to fill these sanctioned full-time and permanent posts. This would go against the well-established principles of open and transparent public service recruitment policy. It should also be borne in mind, that regardless of the nature of the competition, in the case of the expiry of a temporary contract of employment, in order to secure re-employment on a permanent basis, participation in a competition for such a position is required.
