381 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will appoint extra driver testers; the number of testers successfully interviewed and listed; when they will be offered permanent positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9707/99]

Arrangements are being made to address the present unsatisfactory situation in relation to waiting periods for driving tests through the recruitment of additional driver testers, both on a permanent and contract basis.

Arising from a recent recruitment competition organised by the Civil Service Commission 33 candidates were placed on a panel for permanent appointment as driver testers. To date, eight candidates have been appointed to permanent positions of driver tester and my Department will be appointing a further four permanent driver testers shortly. All other candidates on the panel have been offered temporary contract positions of driver tester and of those 13 have accepted and taken up duty. Arrangements are also being made to appoint a further five contract driver testers.

In addition, seven candidates from the previous Civil Service Commission panel were appointed to contract positions in November 1998. The combined arrangements involve the engagement of 37 extra testers which is a 56 per cent increase in testing capacity.