Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport if a CPC certificate can be issued to a person who has passed each section of the test separately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7560/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics in Ireland, CILTI, is the examining body responsible for conducting the certificate of professional competence, CPC, examinations in Ireland.

The CPC examination comprises two papers, a morning and afternoon paper. Each paper is two and a half hours duration. The candidate must receive an overall pass mark of 60%. There is also an additional requirement of having to achieve minimum of 50% in each paper. A special provision exists for candidates who fail to achieve the overall 60% requirement but who achieve 60% or over in either paper one or paper two and who also achieve a minimum 50% in the other paper. Such candidates will be required to resit the failed paper only, provided the failed paper exceeds the 50% minimum requirement.

Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Transport when additional driver testers will be appointed in a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since January 2006, there was a two week period when no tests were carried out; and if his attention has further been drawn to the significant number of applicants awaiting tests in this area. [7616/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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There are currently 12 driver testers assigned to the Cork region covering nine driving test centres including Mallow. The level of service at this test centre is generally consistent with service levels in other centres. The allocation of driver testers to test centres is kept under review having regard to the demand for tests.

As part of a package of measures to deal with the backlog of driver testing applications, my Department is in the process of recruiting extra driver testers. A total of seven staff members from the Department of Agriculture and Food have commenced training as driving testers in my Department and, subject to passing the course, will be based in various regional locations around the country, including the Cork region.

My Department is also in the process of recruiting ten driver testers through an open recruitment competition organised by the Public Appointments Service. It is anticipated that successful candidates will commence training in April and will commence testing in June 2006. Occasionally, for operational reasons, some test centres may not have a driver tester assigned during a particular period.