Dáil debates

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Driver Test

9:40 am

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept that the current service that is being delivered does not meet what the public expects. People are waiting 19 or 20 weeks or even more in certain cases and that is not an acceptable public service. If we are being honest, the service level agreement of ten weeks needs to be examined as well. For me as Minister of State, even ten weeks is too long as I am concerned. There is constant engagement with the RSA on this. There has been an increase in the permanent headcount from 100 to 130. I met with my officials on this yesterday.

Building capacity is important from a road safety perspective. The new road safety strategy is called “Vision Zero”. We have to ensure that the driver testing system can be accessed in a timely manner and the ongoing delays are causing frustration for people. Since I entered the role it has been something I want to remedy and bring solutions to. I assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to try to build capacity within the testing system to improve the current position.

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