Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this serious matter concerning my constituents in south Tipperary. Why has the waiting period for driving tests grown longer since 2005 and what does the Minister propose to do to alleviate the unacceptably long waiting periods for driving tests in Tipperary town and Clonmel?

In Tipperary town the pass rate for driving tests is 48.9% and in Clonmel the pass rate is 51.5%. This means that in both towns approximately half of all applicants fail and must then wait for another 12 months before they can repeat the test. This is unacceptable, particularly to many of the young people who live in the area and who travel to Cork or Limerick on a daily basis. Many of them approached me to explain their case for having a driving test moved forward. Their livelihoods and jobs are dependent on having a driving licence.

It returns to the ongoing problem we have had for a long time. In 2004, 370 people died on Irish roads. This figure rose to 399 in 2005. Already in 2006, 29 people are dead. Last weekend alone nine people lost their lives. Addressing the carnage on our roads requires a multifaceted approach. Improving our driving testing services is an important component of any solution. This afternoon the Taoiseach described the high number of road deaths as disappointing. What is needed now is action. I hope the Minister will deal with this important issue for my constituents, which has been ongoing for a long number of years. I hope the Minister of State will be positive in her response.

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