James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Turning away from the NCT and the operator, the RSA's remit over driver tests and permit application times is causing deep-felt frustration across the country. The waiting time for driver tests is causing a great deal of damage to 17-year-olds and 18-year-olds who need to get their first learner's permits and licences so that they can get on the road for reasons of employment. We are in the month of March and summer is just around the corner. When the summer holidays come, it would be an advantage to many people aged 18 and over who have done their driving lessons and gained experience and who want to get their full licences and novice plates. We should embrace this. The Government should apply pressure on the RSA to realise the impact the delays will have on young motorists. Not enough is being done.

I am conscious that our time is up. I wish the Minister of State every success. I have full faith that he will make an impact on these issues. I hope that, come June, his words will be proven correct and these backlogs will have been addressed.