John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the reason only 45 staff applied out of a possible 200 being offered to transfer to the Department of Transport to help alleviate the problem with waiting times for driving tests; the incentives which were given to staff; the reason there was such a low take-up of opportunity to transfer; if the figures will increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4499/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In order to clear a substantial backlog of driving tests, the Department of Transport sought to avail of the temporary redeployment of staff from my Department in locations where surplus local office staff were available. Applicants were invited to apply by Monday 12 December 2005. This closing date was further extended to Friday, 16 December, at the request of staff associations to facilitate as many potential applicants as possible. Clerical officers, staff officers and executive officers were invited to apply. Successful applicants below the grade of EO would be placed in the EO grade in a temporary capacity for the period of redeployment.

The option to apply for the post of temporary driver tester was a matter for each individual staff member. In considering whether to apply, staff had to take a number of factors into account. These were as follows. The position is intended to be temporary for a period of 18 months or so after which time redeployed staff will have to return at their existing grade to alternative posts as arranged by the Department of Finance. Applicants had to have an unblemished driving licence for at least five years. Applicants would be required to successfully complete a compulsory qualifying driving test. Applicants would then be called to a competitive interview. Successful candidates would be required to attend a six-week training course and, on completion of this programme, must meet the necessary standard in order to be appointed as a driver tester. In all, 30 eligible applications were forwarded to the Department of Transport for consideration. Eight applicants have been selected for training which will start shortly.