Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Transport the receipts in 2005 in fees for driver testing; and the associated costs with operating this process. [4492/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The fees received in respect of driving tests for 2005 amounted to €7.09 million. The total cost of operating the service in 2005 is estimated to be approximately €12 million. There is not a direct correlation between receipts and expenditure in any given year as while cash is received with applications, the test may be conducted in a subsequent year.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests carried out per day per instructor. [4493/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The number of driving tests conducted by a driver tester each day depends upon the time of year, the category of vehicle being tested, the test location and if the tester is working overtime. On average 7.6 standard car test equivalents should be conducted per driver tester per day.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding a bonus scheme being offered to driving test instructors to carry out additional tests; the times when these additional tests will be carried out; the cost of implementing the bonus scheme; the timeframe for the length of time this bonus scheme will operate; and the estimated additional number of tests which will be carried out as a result of the scheme. [4494/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department in consultation with the Minister for Finance has developed a package of measures to deal with the backlog of driving test applications.

One aspect of the package is a bonus scheme for driver testers. A total of 90 driver testers have signed up for the bonus scheme which is due to commence on 6 February 2006 for one year. This is expected to deliver a minimum of 30,750 extra tests based on commitments given. The bonus tests will be conducted at lunchtime, evenings and on Saturdays. The direct cost of the scheme will be in the region of €1.5 million to €2 million.