Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While I accept the introduction of the rural hackney licence, this special licence was brought about because so many people were failing the knowledge test. The test is the problem. I raised this matter with the Minister of State's predecessor, the current Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and with the Minister, Deputy Donohoe's predecessor at committee. The test is designed to be failed. In some instances, more than 90% of applicants fail the test every year. The NTA seems to have little interest in changing the test. Maybe it will when the new CEO takes over. I acknowledge the work of the previous CEO. This special licence was introduced because one could not find a hackney in rural areas, there were so many people failing the knowledge test.

I will urge the Minister of State to do something. While I understand that this is the NTA's responsibility, will she encourage it? It is half-way down the road towards changing the knowledge test, but it needs to be nudged a bit more. It is unfair if someone from Belmullet in County Mayo is asked about places along the Sligo-Roscommon border.

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