Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the delays in issuing driver licences by the National Driver Licence Service; the steps that are being taken to alleviate this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5787/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA acknowledged that there were teething problems when the service opened for business on 29 October 2013.  Some were technical and systems issues, while others related to new staff becoming familiar with rules and processes around driving licences and permits.

The RSA has responded by increasing resources in NDLS centres experiencing delays, as well as in the licence processing centre, and providing further training to staff.  There are no major technical difficulties now affecting the service.  A booking system to allow for customers to make appointments has been operating in a Pilot Phase which was successful.  This system will now be provided in all NDLS offices.

While I understand that there are still some backlogs in relation to applications, the situation has improved.  I have been informed that licence applications that are fully and correctly completed are being issued in a much improved timeframe, and work is continuing to achieve the eight day turn around target. The RSA has assured me that the remaining backlog will be cleared in the shortest possible timeframe.  The NDLS can also respond to urgent situations where a licence is needed for travel abroad or for work purposes. I understand that the NDLS has advised the Gardaí of the delays with issuing some licences.