Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

A short time ago we had an interesting debate on transport, particularly the problem of driving tests. Many Members referred to the huge backlog for tests and I am glad the Minister has rapidly responded. While there might be some teething problems getting the system in place, I wish him well in reducing the waiting list for driving tests.

However, rather than take this À la carte approach, he should deal with other areas, particularly the situation with driving schools. Any person can establish a driving school in this country. There are no controls. There is no uniformity in the failure rate at test centres throughout the country. In fact, there is a big discrepancy between different locations. In many cases this is due to the type of driving instruction available in the area. There is no statutory mechanism to regulate these driving schools, which are self regulating. Approximately 25% or 1,200 of them register as a driving school so regulation is necessary.

One of the reasons for the excessive backlog for driving tests is the high failure rate, with the result that people seek repeat tests. Most people who apply for the driving test will get somebody to confirm that the test is urgently required. Nearly every case, therefore, is urgent because people are conscious of the long waiting list. That must be tackled in parallel with the action being taken to reduce the numbers awaiting tests if the Minister wishes to secure an effective reduction. There will still be a failure rate.