Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Is that not fairly insane, given the waiting lists the length and breadth of the State?

I want to move on to another issue - the apt term would be "another farce". People in Drogheda believe the RSA has deemed Drogheda not suitable for a driving test centre. It is the largest town in Ireland with a population of 45,000. Currently, under a northern environs plan, we are preparing for an increase in population of 20,000 in the next five years. This has been going on for six years, during which we got continuous reports. This is a farce. There were 14 sites inspected, according to the RSA. Of those 14 sites, seven were deemed not suitable but no reason was given. In other sites, traffic was given as the reason for not allowing a centre at them. In another one, speed ramps were the reason.

Most people think this beyond insane and are questioning whether the RSA has the capability of seeking an adequate test centre, whether to rent or whatever. I looked through some of the information there. The authority is renting rooms and offices the length and breadth of the country, but Drogheda, the largest town, has been waiting six years for a centre.

Can Mr. Waide give me an example of where he would say with a straight face that a build-up of traffic is a reason not to provide a driving test centre in any town or village in Ireland? I am not aware of anywhere that is traffic free. Traffic is the norm 24-7. For six years, the RSA has been saying it cannot provide a driving test centre in this particular site because there is traffic or there are speed ramps down the road and has listed seven sites as not suitable without giving a reason. Does the RSA the capability? Is Mr. Waide telling me the RSA does not have the capability to source a driving test centre for the largest town in Ireland? How long more does Mr. Waide reckon we will have to wait for the RSA to get its act together?