Mr. Brendan Walsh:

The essential driver training, EDT, process that a driver goes through is designed to take in the region of six months. We believe it takes six months to become competent before one should sit a test. The 12 lessons to which the Deputy referred need to be complemented by a minimum of three hours in assisted driving after each lesson.

In relation to the Deputy's specific question about Kerry, our role is a national one. Our objective is to ensure that we achieve the national service level agreement. We are still working on the level of individuals who will be coming on board in the future and at those from whom we currently have applications. We will see if something can be done along the same lines to ensure fairness across the rest of the country. If we have a mechanism by which we can assist further in Kerry, we will definitely take a look at it.