Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will address the issue of tests. I accept the criticisms made by virtually every Member of this House. I also accept the case made by virtually every Member of the House that the driving test waiting list is too long. The Deputy talked about a six-month period. I think that is the highest possible one. The objective of the RSA is ten weeks and the average is around 12 to 14 weeks. That is still not an acceptable level. We should certainly aim to come down to six weeks and we are not there.

The RSA has recently taken measures involving extra overtime for existing driving testers, which will bring the waiting time down. It is gradually introducing new systems to allow tests to be done on a self-appointment basis. In other words, applicants can do it all on the Internet and fill in the gaps that way, rather than making an appointment.

The RSA has also taken measures to eliminate the no-shows, which represented a very large number of those applying for tests. No-shows were a big problem. Measures have now been taken whereby it contacts all those who are coming up for a test and those who are likely to be no-shows because of their records. Those are also reducing in numbers.

I accept Deputy Fitzmaurice's criticisms. It is a fair criticism to say that the waiting list for tests is too long. It is a fair criticism to say it is not reducing quickly enough. However, this does not justify by any stretch of the imagination putting a lethal vehicle such as a car in the hands of someone who is patently judged not fit to drive it.

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