Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

261. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a breakdown of the number of driving test instructors in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31688/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the recruitment and deployment of driver testers. While my Department is responsible for the overall staffing sanction, it is not involved in the delivery of driver testing at an operational level and, as such, the requested information is held by the RSA.

The Deputy may wish to note that to support the RSA in increasing testing capacity and improving service delivery, in September 2024 the my Department sanctioned an additional 70 permanent positions for driver testers. This increases the total permanent sanction for testers to 200, which represents a doubling of permanent posts since June 2022. The recruitment process is underway, with the first tranche of new testers now deployed into service and 31 new recruits currently undergoing training. As additional testers enter the system, testing capacity will increase and progress should continue to be seen on reducing waiting times in the months ahead.

I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply in terms of the breakdown by year. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

262. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated to driving test instructors in each of the years 2020 to 2025, by year, in tabular form. [31689/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service.

Driving instruction in Ireland is delivered by Approved Driving Instructors registered with the RSA, having obtained the necessary qualifications and permit to operate as an ADI. The process of becoming an ADI is a private, commercial undertaking.