James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Transport to the House to debate the ever-increasing backlog of those awaiting driving tests. The figure in respect of each county is increasing, despite promises made by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, to slash the backlog. In the past 12 months the figure has increased by 10,000 nationally. There is a waiting list of 135,000 nationwide for the driving test. This is a damning indictment of a Minister who promised change. It is an outrageous attack on our young people, who are forced to pay high insurance premiums because of the inability to test them. Sitting the test would enable them to receive a full licence and reduce their insurance premiums. This lame duck Minister has failed to overhaul the driving test system. He has squandered taxpayers' money in every portfolio he has held. It is time he came to this House to account for his actions, waste and negligence with regard to reducing the driving test waiting list.