Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The Minister will agree that urgent action is required to address the 13-month backlog. Only 18 months ago the average waiting time was ten weeks. Is the Minister aware that not having a full driving licence is costing young drivers approximately €50 million per year in increased premia? Particularly in rural areas it is depriving people of job opportunities and hence the need for urgent reform. Will the Minister comment on the eight driving tester vacancies that remain to be filled? I understand if these eight appointments were made, those testers could carry out approximately 15,300 tests per annum, which would greatly alleviate the backlog.

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