Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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293. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting times for driving tests at each of the driving test centres in Cork and Kerry; the number of driving test slots that have been lost due to cancellations at each driving test centre for the past six months; if he is satisfied that the RSA has the optimum systems in place with the re-allocation of test slots that are cancelled at short notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37880/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed that 4-5 % of driving test slots were lost each month due to cancellations at short notice from January up to the end of July 2023. While cancellations at short notice can contribute to lengthy wait times, the broader issue faced by the service is unprecedented levels of demand, which has increased by 28% since 2021. In response to a request from the Road Safety Authority (RSA), earlier this year my Department gave sanction for the recruitment of up to 75 additional driver testers to help address the existing backlog, bringing the total number of sanctioned driver testing posts to 200. I have been informed that the first of these driver testers will have completed their training and be deployed from the end of September, after which point service levels should begin to improve.

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driving Test service. As such, the detailed information for each centre you have requested is held by that agency. I have therefore referred the question to the RSA for direct reply on those specific issues. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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294. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) has had their application for a priority driving test rejected; if he will review this decision; the average waiting times for driving tests at the driving test centre involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37883/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I, nor my Department, have the power to intervene in individual cases.

The detailed information requested is held by the RSA. I have therefore referred the Question to the RSA for direct reply on the specific issues raised. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.