Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will point out a number of things. The ministerial management board met yesterday in the Department. Rural transport issues were again to the fore. Many issues were discussed, such as the extension of the Nitelink bus service. That is a recent decision. The Department is also exploring how we can best serve rural communities further with alternative and newer types of rural transport. These matters are under consideration in the Department.

It is important that information is available for people awaiting driving tests and who need a driving licence for work or for college. I advise Deputy Collins, or any other Deputy approached by members of the public seeking a test, to contact the Road Safety Authority, RSA. There are numerous cancellations every week and there are vacancies. If somebody needs a test at short notice, that avenue exists. The rationale behind the legislation on unaccompanied drivers was that, statistically, such drivers were far more likely to be involved in a fatal accident and the cause of that accident.

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