Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing to hear that we probably will not be able to reduce the backlog of driving tests until October. As far as we know over 60,000 people are waiting to do their driving tests. I am aware that in April some 75 additional driver testers were recruited but those people need to be trained up. Unfortunately, the portal we have to apply for or cancel your test is not fit for purpose. I know from my experience of using it recently that it is not fit for purpose. Yesterday we had a Bill in front of us on access for people with disabilities, and the portal on the Road Safety Authority website to apply for your test has no way of supporting people with disabilities.

Have we any idea of how we can deal with this crisis for young people? The Leader knows from living in Mayo that young people going to university need cars. It is not the case that they can jump on a Luas or bus. This is something we need to look at seriously in this House and in the other House. It is disheartening to see that thousands of young students will not be able to have their driving tests by September. I wanted to raise that issue. I will write to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, but it is about us finding a solution. We must be passionate about it and value our young people who are looking to get on the road.