Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

The Senator is right again. It is about being creative and ensuring that the very important and serious matter of this long-term and long-standing issue in service provision, which the Government understands and recognises, is addressed. We must ensure we have a reliable, high-quality driving testing service. We understand that these unacceptable waiting times have profound implications for those waiting for a driving test. It is important that the Government commit to doing two things. The first is tackling the issue and the second is improving public transport for those in rural Ireland. I reiterate that the Department is working with the RSA to manage the backlog in the driving testing service. I do not say this as an excuse but, as Members will know, there has been extraordinary demand for the service in recent times and this post-Covid period. To reiterate, last year, 253,850 driving tests were conducted. That is an increase from 196,853 in 2023. That is an increase of 29%. It was a record year for the delivery of tests. I accept that people are not getting their tests. I recognise that we have an issue. Our target is ten weeks. We all look forward to meeting the demand the Senator has laid out this morning.