154 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider having more personnel appointed or having another driving test centre opened in view of the increasing delays in obtaining driving tests in Cork City; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6950/96]

162 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment when additional driver testers will be recruited by his Department. [7179/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 162 together.

The driving test centre in Cork is adequate to deal with the demand for tests in the area. The waiting time for tests in the city is currently 14 weeks but arrangements are made to provide tests more quickly for applicants who indicate a need, because of employment or other considerations. I have no proposals at this stage to recruit additional driver testers but I am continuing to have the general position monitored on a regular basis with a view to reducing waiting times as much as possible.