Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all know the difficulties young people have faced in getting time to sit driving tests and the knock-on effect that has had on people who have to travel to or need to drive for work. I welcome the work done by the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to address the backlog and provide an opportunity for people who need licences to get tests early.

However, I was contacted by a young woman in my area who requires an adaptation to drive her vehicle. It seems there exists an extraordinary situation whereby persons who use an adapted vehicle for whatever reason are not subject to the same test as everybody else. They need a special tester and test, and there is no waiting list available to them. People who need adapted vehicles are arguably those who need their cars more than most, but they cannot get onto a cancellation list. They have to wait longer and there is still a problem addressing the backlog for those vehicles.

I do not understand why every tester is not competent to test a person trying an adapted vehicle. We should examine the situation with a view to having a driver testing regime that is available to everybody on an equal footing so that those who need a licence can do their tests and move on. That should apply as much to people who require an adapted vehicle as it does to people who do not. Can we have a debate on this issue? I ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss these issues so we can put in place, and argue for, a system that applies equally to everyone and facilitates those who need licences.