383 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason applications for the driving theory test are processed in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7665/02]

The contract for the delivery of the driver theory testing service was awarded following a tendering process conducted in accordance with EU rules on public procurement. The contract was awarded to Prometric Thomson Learning, a company based in Manchester. The company operates a call centre in Manchester through which test applications are processed. A separate company, Prometric Ireland Limited, has been established here to operate the service.