Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the length of time driving test applicants have to wait for a driving test appointment; and if his attention has been drawn to the serious problems this delay is imposing on many drivers who are faced with substantial insurance policy costs as the holders of provisional licences. [27097/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance, has developed a package of measures to deal with the backlog of driving test applicants. These measure include recruitment of additional driver testers, the introduction of a bonus scheme to increase productivity and the outsourcing of a block of tests.

The Public Appointments Service, on behalf of my Department, is currently conducting a competition to recruit driver testers. In regard to outsourcing, a preferred tenderer has been selected. I met the staff associations earlier today and I expect further developments.