Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The normal complement of driver testers in my Department, excluding the chief tester and supervisors, is 119. Currently there is a number of vacancies in that complement, although by and large these are being covered by the retention of retired driving testers. In normal circumstances I would be satisfied that the normal complement of 119 was adequate to maintain a high level of service to those seeking to do tests. However, as the Deputy is aware, there is an unacceptable delay in providing tests at present and I am progressing a number of options to supplement the testing capability in the short term to eliminate this backlog. This includes recruiting ten further testers on a fixed term contract. The competition for this is under way and is being managed by the Public Appointments Service. This will fill all existing vacancies. I also intend to continue to use the services of retired driver testers in the short term, although this could put the number on the Department's payroll above 119 for a short time. I expect the number to return to approximately 119 once the backlog is cleared.

In addition, and for the express purpose of eliminating the current backlog and restoring a reasonable level of service to our customers, I am seeking to outsource a limited and defined number of tests to an outside contractor. I have also proposed an incentive package to our existing driver testing staff. If this package is delivered the backlog will be cleared within 18 to 24 months, hopefully within 18 months. My expectation is that by then a cohort of 119 testers should be sufficient to deliver the service and the testing function should have transferred to an independent agency under legislation currently before the House.

I am not satisfied with the delay that exists in driver testing, from a road safety perspective or in terms of basic customer service standards. As outlined, my plans to address this include a very attractive incentive package for existing driver testing staff, the recruitment of additional contract staff and the limited use of outsourcing. I am looking for the support of all those involved in meeting this challenge. I ask them to agree this extremely generous package and to assist us in looking after our customers in this regard.

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