Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests that were cancelled by applicants for which no alternative applicant could be found in time for a test to be carried out in each of the years this century; the number of test hours lost in each of these years; the cost to his Department in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17975/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In 2005 approximately 14% of tests scheduled were lost due to very late cancellations or indeed where no notice at all was given and the candidate simply failed to show up for the appointment. The position in other years would be similar. This amounts to about 23,000 test slots of an hour each or the work of about 15 full time testers. The total associated cost would be over €1 million. It is my expectation that improvements in systems, and indeed the reduction of the backlog, may help to recover many of these slots and increase the capacity of our existing service.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of driving test applications received in each of the years 2004 and 2005 and to the end of April 2006. [17976/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested is set out in the table supplied.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of extra driving tests being carried out as a result of the overtime package for driver testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18024/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The bonus overtime scheme for driver testers commenced on 6 February 2006. Under this scheme almost 14,000 driving tests will be scheduled outside normal hours up to 10 June 2006. This will represent about 9,000 more than would have been done in overtime without the bonus.