Mr. Darragh Dunne:

I did not say that. My microphone was not on.

It is an unnecessary process and it is the thinking of an organisation that runs tests. As driving instructors, we strive to do the best job we can, purely because we run a business, but it is proposed that perhaps instead of spending two hours doing a check test, that could be changed to a group learning session in which we all try to make each other better at what we do. However, in the short term, to keep more instructors in the business, I propose that we simply renew the driving instructor permits of all ADIs currently operating, in the same way that I expect that the members would have been involved in the renewal of the licences for small public service vehicles, SPVs. Obviously, the members know far more about that than I do. The same thing should be done for driving instructors, whereby there is an automatic renewal and we do not have to waste the RSA's time or our time sitting a check test during a pandemic. It is not an efficient use of resources to be doing these check tests.

It would be a nice token or gesture if there was a waiver of the €250 renewal fee. It is a very low-cost action that the Government could take which would encourage many people to stay in the business. I have spoken to many driving instructors around the country, and using the sample of County Cavan, 20% of the driving instructors I spoke to there said that they are retiring from the business. That means that there will be fewer driving instructors available to do lessons. We should encourage these instructors to stay on by renewing all ADI permits. I could talk all day on this issue. Perhaps I can communicate with members following the meeting.