I wish to raise the issue of driver test waiting times. I got figures recently in response to a parliamentary question and there is a waiting time of 24 weeks in the Birr test centre, 25 weeks in Portlaoise and 43 weeks in Kilkenny city. This is according to the figures I got. It is a scandalous delay. I have taken up this matter before with the Minister. It is particularly affecting young drivers in rural areas who are trying to get to work where there is no bus service early in the morning or no Local Link. The Road Safety Authority, RSA, did have a recruitment campaign last summer for 75 testers but it only got 36 testers. That is fair enough. Meanwhile, nine testers on contract are being let go on 8 February. One of those is in the Portlaoise centre. The RSA has a service level agreement with the Department, as I understand it, that the average time is supposed to be ten weeks.

I thank the Deputy. I call the Taoiseach to respond.

I ask the Taoiseach to get the Minister to take a hands on approach with this issue and to try to get it addressed with the RSA.

I thank the Deputy. I know this is a priority for the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers. From talking to my own Deputies and going around the country, I know the delays in getting a driver test are hugely frustrating, especially for young people and those who need the car to get to work or to college. We are hiring more testers and we believe this will help us to get on top of the backlog and improve the situation. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, to come back directly to the Deputy with some more information on this matter.

It needs a push. It needs action.