Ms Liz O'Donnell:

As I understand it, we are seeking permission for the additional 80 driver testers through the capacity plan we have submitted to the Department of Transport. We are hoping to reduce waiting times to an average of ten weeks but it will take time. It is a capacity problem. The Department has responded well to our requests for support so far. We submitted that plan in October so we hope to have the resources necessary to eat into that backlog.

With regard to the approved driving instructor, ADI, situation, I am aware that driving instructors have complained that they are not allowed into test centres. This is, unfortunately, essential. Nobody is allowed into the driving test centres with the exception of those taking tests and driver testers. This measure is required to comply with Covid rules. Mammies and daddies are not allowed into the test centres either. It is not as if we are focusing on refusing entry to ADIs.