Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Once again the newspapers have featured the number of road deaths that have occurred in the past two weeks. I was approached yesterday by someone who is very concerned that when his son failed his driving test, he was told he would have to wait 50 weeks to retake it. I checked this and a person who lives in Tallaght must wait 55 weeks and a person in Raheny 54 weeks to retake the test. Those who come from outside the State cannot believe that people who fail a driving test continue to drive while they wait up to 55 weeks before they can retake the test. This is in the hands of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I raised the issue two years ago and was told action was being taken on it. It clearly was not and I ask the Leader to draw the attention of the Minister to the serious nature of these delays.