317 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will consider a reduced fee for the driver theory test for applicants who have previously sat and failed the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5463/02]

The driver theory test fee of €32 was determined under a tendering process for the delivery of the driver theory testing service on a public private partnership project on behalf of my Department. The €32 fee was set on the basis that it would apply to both tests and re-tests as the costs of delivering both are the same. It is not proposed to introduce a separate rate of fee in respect of repeat tests.