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

I thank both Deputies for their suggestions. There is an important road safety component for learner drivers which has been developed over many years. The solution is the sanction of additional testers rather than unwinding or undoing evidence-based road safety measures that have been developed over a number of years. We must try to assist learner drivers to get a test and bring the waiting time down, which is part of our road safety strategy. I want to conclude the evaluation as quickly as possible so we can sanction additional testers. My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, last year received the demand analysis from the Road Safety Authority, which concluded that an additional 30 testers would satisfy the growth in demand. That figure has been updated based on current demand analysis. I wish to ensure that whatever decision we make, it future-proofs the service level we can expect. We have a young demographic and we need to ensure we develop a service with a waiting time less than ten weeks that gives everyone certainty around being able to book their test, drive safely and pass their test. That is my priority and I want to conclude it as quickly as possible so the likes of Shannon, Kilrush and other test centres where people are waiting too long are brought back to a proper service level.

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