Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

The RSA has a statutory maximum target of ten weeks from the time a learner driver books their test until they are given a date to sit the test. The last time that target was reached was in July 2022, almost three years ago. Since then, as is evident across the State, things have got much worse. There are extended waiting times, a shortage of testers and a system that is failing both those it is meant to serve and in its basic function. In Meath, we have seen at first hand the impact of these delays. The Navan testing centre has the longest waiting time in the State, at 43 weeks. Amazingly, this is getting longer. This time last year, it was 16 weeks. When we last discussed this matter in February, it was 41 weeks. Young people, including students, who are eager to gain their independence are being left stranded. Workers, including essential workers who need their licences, are left stranded and, in many cases, locked out of employment or unable to participate fully in their communities. This is yet another issue that the Government has allowed to develop. Again, it is not taking young people into consideration. It is no wonder so many young people are emigrating. The Government response so far has been completely inadequate. We need urgent action to be taken on this issue. We need to increase the number of driving testers, maximise the number of testing hours and streamline the booking process in order to ensure that everyone has fair and timely access to a driving test. The best time to act was two years ago. The next best time to act is now.

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