Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Transport the number and proportion of driving tests conducted in Irish in the past three years for which figures are available and the pass rate that prevailed in each of those years for those who sat the test in Irish. [32254/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The information sought by the Deputy is unavailable as there are no statistics kept on the number of driving tests conducted through Irish.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that none of the Dublin-based diving test centres recorded a pass rate above the national average in any of the past three years; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in the 2004 figures three of the six lowest pass rates were recorded in Dublin centres; the action he is taking to improve pass rates in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32255/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The driving test in Ireland is designed in accordance with the requirements of the European directives on driving licences, which set out the skills that a driver must demonstrate during a driving test. As in other EU countries there is a variation in the pass rate among test centres.

The pass rate may be influenced by a number of factors including the number of lessons taken by the candidate, the standard of instruction available and demographic factors. Our pass rate is consistent with the experience in other countries.

On consistency in the standard of the driving test, my Department undertook a comprehensive training programme for all driver testers in 2002 covering procedures for carrying out the test, guidelines to assess faults and training to enhance customer service in the delivery of the driving test. The work of all testers is monitored on an ongoing basis by supervisory driver testers to ensure that a uniform standard of test is maintained.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Transport the current number of female driving testers; and the action he has taken to provide a greater gender balance. [32256/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department currently employs 120 driver testing staff including eight female testers. The recruitment to these posts is a matter for the Public Appointments Service, which operates an equal opportunities policy.