Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join with other Senators in expressing concern about the fact the number of leaving certificate completions has not significantly changed in the past couple of years. However, the same report points out that a greater number of students are availing of other courses such as FETAC and post leaving certificate courses. The Minister of State, Deputy Haughey, was in the House a few weeks ago speaking about post leaving certificate courses and he said he would look into the fact some regions seem to have different caps compared to others. Meath has one student place per 1,000 of population compared to a national average of four student places per 1,000 of population. Will the Leader ask the Minister of State if he has had any further thoughts about increasing the number of places on PLC courses for people in counties like Meath?

I also raise the subject of driver test pass rates and the comparison between private and public test centres. A report in this morning's The Irish Times states that of the 40,000 tests carried out this year, the pass rate in private test centres was 62% compared to just 52% in the Road Safety Authority test centres. That difference may not seem large but when one examines the figures and looks at them at local level, one sees that some of the differences give cause for concern. For example, the pass rate at the private test centre in Kells is almost seven out of ten applicants whereas just ten miles away in Navan, the pass rate is five out of ten at the public test centre. In effect, a person has a 40% higher chance of passing if he or she goes ten miles up the road to Kells. I have driven in those parts and there are great drivers on the roads. I have no doubt about their competence. However, will the Leader impress upon the Minister that in his zeal to ensure he reduces the driver test waiting times, he does not let standards slip? We must ensure standards are the same across the board.