Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of driving tests and the unacceptable delays in securing an appointment. This issue has been raised numerous times but, unfortunately, it does not seem to be improving. If anything, it is worsening. Someone applying for a driving test in the Wilton test centre in Cork this morning will be given an estimated date for the end of November 2025. This is a wait of more than seven months. I have heard stories from constituents who have been waiting more than eight months in reality. If people are unfortunate enough to fail, they will face a longer unknown wait for a second test. This issue disproportionately affects young people. It interferes with their plans for study, work and travel. It is impossible for them to plan their lives. In many cases their lives are on hold while they are waiting for a test. I ask for urgent intervention on this issue. I know recruitment is taking place as is the training of new testers but, unfortunately, the situation is quite grave at present. I ask for further urgent intervention. I ask the Taoiseach to follow up on this.

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