Nessa Cosgrove (Labour)

I have some observations. It was raised that 70% of road fatalities are on rural roads. Five out of six, excluding Dublin, have been along the west coast, three in the west and north west - Mayo, Galway and Donegal. There has to be a correlation - the populations are less but we do not have the available public transport. This needs to be addressed. The western rail corridor needs to be addressed. Outside Dublin, it is Cork, Kerry and it goes all the way up the west coast as far as Donegal. The lack of public transport is glaring. On learner permit holders, I spoke to driving test instructors because I knew the RSA was coming before the committee today. They suggested looking at the RSA website so people can book cancellations or show what cancellations are available on the website. There is an external app called DriveNow which costs €12. It just collates the RSA's information. In fairness, I have to commend the Department of Transport and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, that the waiting times have come down for driving tests to ten weeks. A driving instructor suggested that when someone gets their learner permit, they should be able to apply for their test then. They would work backwards with their instructor. They would pick a date they know suits them. They would have their 12 mandatory lessons done but they could work backwards instead of the other way around. It might also be a way to address non-attendance at tests. They also asked why people are double tested. Why are questions about engine parts and other things that are addressed in the theory test part of the driving test? Is it a waste of time?