I am sorry to have to raise this today. I am looking for a debate on the whole situation around driving licences, theory tests and driving tests. We hope to have our economy recovering. There are legions of people, young and old, trying to get theory tests, lessons and driving tests. Something must be done. I raised it with the Tánaiste here last week and he promised action but no actions have been taken. We must have a debate on this issue because it is so important for people in education and people in the health services who want to be trainee nurses and go for placement. It is especially a problem in rural Ireland that people cannot go anywhere without the gluaisteán. They just cannot so we need a debate on this issue. I have tried a couple of times to get this raised as a Topical Issue matter on behalf of our group. We need urgent action on this and a debate in the House.

It is a matter suitable for Topical Issue matters but the Government has moved on this. We have decided on the safe, gradual and phased reopening of some driver services through the Road Safety Authority, RSA, from 10 May. The RSA has recruited 40 more testers who are currently being trained and will be deployed from June to deal with the backlog of tests. Plans are also advancing to recruit a further 40 testers and to add up to 20 driving test centres. Obviously, the gradual reopening of services will not immediately solve the backlog but I assure the Deputy that every possible measure is being put in place to ensure the maximum number of customers can be served while adhering strictly to public health guidance. Driving tests for essential workers will continue. The Government is therefore alive to that. It is not a matter for me. It is a matter more suitable to Topical Issue matters.