Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree. It is extremely important that people, especially young people, have the freedom a driving licence gives them. That is especially the case in more rural areas where it is much harder to get around if someone does not have a driving licence or a car. My understanding is that there has been a considerable increase in the number of people applying for driving tests. It is approximately 25% or 30% higher than it was pre pandemic. As a result of this, we have hired 25% or 30% more driving testers. A bit like the issue with the work permits and passports, this is kind of a bounce-back effect of the pandemic. We expect to get it under control and to be in a position whereby people can get their tests in a timely manner. I will come back to the Deputy with a bit more detail on what is being done.

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