Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I acknowledge her concerns about the driving test centre in Killarney. Unfortunately, the former centre proved to be unsuitable for testing and a process of securing a suitable alternative centre commenced some time ago. A replacement premises has been identified and the Commissioners of Public Works have informed me that negotiations with the landlord are at an advanced stage. It is hoped to have the test centre relocated before the end of July. In the meantime, driving tests for all categories of vehicles continue to be conducted from the temporary accommodation in the town pending the new centre becoming available. The Deputy has explained that a temporary test centre has been provided for cars and light vans. I understand her point about HGVs and will make immediate inquiries about that.

In conjunction with the Office of Public Works, the Department of Transport is undertaking an extensive programme of improving test centres in several towns, including Killarney. Arising from enhancements to the driving test, additional facilities will be required at a number of test centres.

With regard to the testing of higher category vehicles, a process of upgrading centres to provide off-road facilities for the testing of certain driving manoeuvres, in accordance with requirements of EU directives, has been ongoing for some time. The essential criteria for a test centre are adequate demand, distance from nearest centre, adequate parking and access, proximity to suitable test routes and suitable office accommodation. The location of testing facilities for higher categories of vehicles will be determined according to those criteria.

I assure the Deputy that every effort is being made by the Department and the Office of Public Works to secure the site in Killarney which has been identified. It is hoped that it will be available by the end of July. The Department is committed to reducing the waiting time for driving tests to realistic levels, not just in Killarney and Kerry but throughout the country. This is being done through the bonus scheme which has been in operation for some time and the employment of additional driving testers. Last week, the good news was announced that the proposals put to the Department of Transport and the union have been accepted by both sides and it is hoped that we will see a major reduction in the number of those on the waiting list. It is the Government's objective to reduce the waiting list, which is far too long, to realistic levels. We hope to see that achieved during the course of 2007.

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