There is a huge backlog in driving tests ranging from 66,000 up to 100,000 at times. Despite this, the Road Safety Authority, RSA, is intent on letting 34 driving testers go between now and next May. I ask the Minister to intervene to ensure they are not let go. Many of these testers were taken on under temporary contracts in 2017 and 2018. Those contracts have been renewed numerous times. Some of the testers are coming close to three years' service and, according to normal custom and practice, would be entitled to permanent contracts. I ask the Minister to intervene and ensure that is the case.

I absolutely accept, particularly for younger people, who have borne the brunt of the Covid-19 restrictions, that their ability to get a licence, get mobile and then get a job is critical. I will follow up on this and engage directly with the Road Safety Authority on it. We put a huge amount of additional testers in place to clear the backlog. I hear what the Deputy is saying on this. I will see if anything can be done and will report back to the Deputy directly.