Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a huge issue with delays in driving tests. I was contacted over Christmas by a driving tester who is one of seven due to be made redundant by the Road Safety Authority, RSA, in February and March. At this time, the average waiting time for driving tests has been as long as 28 weeks in Clonmel. In some parts of the country, the waiting time is as long as 51 weeks. It is beyond belief that the RSA would make testers redundant. It is my understanding that the RSA was to recruit 75 additional testers. We were told that in this House. Only 43 were recruited and with seven being let go, that brings the increase back to 36 testers. Will the Minister explain why the RSA is letting go competent, professional driving testers who have been operating for a number of years when it is supposed to recruit 75 testers? What is going on? Young people, not-so-young people and newcomers to the country cannot get their tests.

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