Ms Jean O'Dowd:

I am a regional officer with Unite the Union. I am accompanied today by Mr. Dominic Brophy, chairperson of Unite's approved driving instructors branch as well as by the branch secretary, Mr. Darragh Dunne, and the branch learning representative, Mr. Aidan Jordan.

As the pandemic resulted in ever-longer driver test waiting lists, Unite pointed out that driving instructors would be critical in clearing this backlog and that the knowledge and experience of our members who are key stakeholders is essential in this task. Their focus has always been, and continues to be, on improvement and progress to ensure the best possible standards for all concerned. The demand by the driving instructors for basic hygiene facilities during the pandemic is as much to keep the general public safe as it is to keep driving instructors safe. By the same token, since the pandemic struck it has become clear that workers have been key in keeping us all safe.

The events of the past 12 months have proven difficult for all workers, including our driving instructors. They have tirelessly endeavoured to constructively engage with the Road Safety Authority and the Department of Transport. I will hand over to the approved driving instructor branch chairperson, Mr. Dominic Brophy.