Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

I thank the Senator again for raising this matter. It is important and the Senator's constructive contributions are very much welcomed. I reiterate that the Government recognises the need to address the longstanding issue in relation to the service provision and to ensure that a reliable and high-quality driver testing service is available throughout the State. I understand that the unacceptable waiting times for driving tests are having a significant impact on people across the country, including in Monaghan and Cavan and especially for those residing in rural areas where public transport may be limited.

My Department and the RSA are acutely aware of these challenges and are working to bring the times back to the service level agreement target of ten weeks as quickly as possible. One of my first actions as Minister of State was to ensure the RSA had a plan in place to deliver the target. They are now reporting on the plan to me fortnightly, as well as publishing their progress for the public to see it transparently. I am pleased to report that. I am sure Senators would welcome that the progress made since April has been significant with both Cavan and Monaghan seeing their respective waiting times come down at ten weeks and four weeks respectively. Achieving the ten-week target is important not only in terms of the learner driver's experience of the service, it is also a vital component in the delivery of our road safety strategy, on which we all have an ambition. Based on the progress to date I am confident the RSA will achieve its targets in September and I will be managing it on a fortnightly basis.