Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 343: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding his proposed outsourcing of driving tests; his proposals to reduce the driving test backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13385/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As I have previously indicated, the delay in providing driving tests is a matter of regret to me. It is also hampering the development of initiatives that I wish to pursue and which will contribute further to road safety. The driving test and those who deliver it are a key element in the road safety strategy.

It is my objective to eliminate the backlog of driving tests by mid-2007 and my Department has developed a package of measures in consultation with staff interests to achieve this.

Additional staff have been made available to the driving test service. Seven additional testers are at present being trained and will be carrying out tests from April onwards. A recruitment campaign has been completed and a further ten persons will commence training shortly and will be available for testing this June.

In addition, a high number of the existing driver testers have indicated that they will participate in a bonus scheme that will make a significant contribution to the reduction of the backlog. Some 90 driver testers have, by way of additional Saturday and evening working, committed to deliver some 30,000 tests over a one-year period. This scheme commenced in February and will make a significant contribution to the backlog.

As regards outsourcing, the Civil Service Arbitration Board has determined that, otherwise than by agreement, the contracting out of core work of driver testers to a private firm is not contemplated or permitted by the provisions of paragraph 21.9 or by any other provision of Sustaining Progress.

However, the board urged a resumption of discussions at which all options — and it emphasised all options — should be considered, with a view to ensuring that a solution is implemented without delay. I am currently in discussions with the unions on a way forward with a view to dealing with the backlog by the middle of 2007.