Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Transport if complaints have been received by his Department concerning a driving tester (details supplied); the actions that are being taken on foot of such complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27369/05]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of tests taken by a driving tester at a test centre (details supplied) in 2005; the number of passes and failures in that period with this person at that centre; the national average pass rate per driving tester; if there is cause for concern with the statistics from this tester; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27370/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. Information on national pass rates is only compiled at the end of the year and the table shows the overall pass rate for the centre in question for 2004.

The pass rate may be influenced by number of factors, including the number of lessons taken by a candidate, the standard of instruction available and demographic factors. The work of driver testers is monitored on an ongoing basis by supervisory driver testers to ensure that a uniform standard of test is maintained. There are procedures in place to ensure that further training is provided if difficulties in applying this standard are identified.

It would be inappropriate to give performance data concerning an individual tester. I am not aware of outstanding complaints at the centre in question but if the Deputy has information on matters which should be followed up, I will ensure that this is done.