Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to alleviate the backlog of learner drivers waiting to sit their tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5415/23]

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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216. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he will take to alleviate the backlog of learner drivers waiting to sit their tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5423/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 216 together.

The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).  However, I would like to assure the Deputy that my department is working closely with the RSA as the Authority endeavours to manage the demand pressures and required resourcing as a matter of priority. 

I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors (ADI's) capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.

The RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver tester service in 2022, following which, my department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.  I am informed that the RSA has deployed the majority of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by the end of Q1 2023.

The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review.  The Authority is setting out a plan for what is needed to continue to reduce waiting times. I have asked the RSA to report back to my department on this plan and its implementation as soon as possible.  The RSA has indicated that a further sanction request for increases in driver testers will be submitted imminently, my department will evaluate this promptly on receipt. 

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide in tabular form the number of driving test centre and testers in each county. [5416/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority and the information requested is held by them.

I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.