Driving test and theory test backlog
Deputy McGrath complained that the Road Safety Authority backlog was leaving about 100,000 people unable to take theory or driving tests, and he pressed for the service to be treated as essential. The Minister said younger people were especially affected, promised to put resources into reducing the waiting list, and said theory tests should return as restrictions eased.
I believe in the old adage, Tús maith leath na hoibre. What is going on with the Road Safety Authority, RSA? It is under the aegis of the Department of the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton. Some 100,000 people are waiting for driving theory tests and cannot get started on the road.
The Minister of State came into the Chamber to reply to a Topical Issue matter, which the Ceann Comhairle kindly allowed us some weeks ago, and told us that driver theory tests were not an essential service. It is a most essential service that allows people to go to work and to get on the road for silage and contracting. It will be an issue across industry if we cannot get these people tested.
People are getting appointments now for August that were applied for last December. The RSA seems to be busy now cancelling the tests rather than making any effort to deal with the issue. It is a screen test that can surely be done online. It beggars belief. The ineptitude of the Department of Transport and the RSA is such that they cannot allow theory tests to go ahead on-screen. It has to be addressed because it will cripple our industry and economy.
Comment on this
Every different section of our society has suffered in this Covid-19 pandemic and we must think of each of them. I would argue, however, that our younger people are the ones to whom we must be particularly attentive. They will be the last to be vaccinated.
Comment on this
They have suffered most in terms in their education and work. They have lost most jobs, and within that, they are the ones who particularly suffer from the lack of a theory test or the delay in getting a driving test. We will put all the resources of the State into reducing that waiting list, including the use of online theory tests.
Comment on this
As we return in June and measures are relieved, critical within that, and almost my first priority, would be allowing people to come back to have theory tests.
Comment on this
For younger people, in particular, in terms of accessing work, that is going to be critical and it will be our top priority.