Dáil Tuesday 18 February 2025 at 14:40

Clonmel driving test delays

Summary

Deputy McGrath complained about long waits for driving tests in Clonmel and the lack of cover when testers are on leave. The Taoiseach said he would follow it up and that cover should exist to prevent the queue growing.

Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Thank you, Taoiseach. Deputy McGrath has 30 seconds.

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Mattie McGrath Independent

Tipperary now has 1,926 learner drivers waiting on a test. We have only one tester in Clonmel. Last week, that tester was out on badly overdue leave, which is fair enough, but the situation regarding tests in Clonmel is pathetic. The former Taoiseach, Deputy Harris, told me last year that the wait was ten weeks but it is now 28 weeks in Clonmel. This is not acceptable. People cannot get to their jobs, apprentices cannot get into work-----

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Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Does the Deputy have a question?

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Mattie McGrath Independent

-----and people in rural Ireland are completely disenfranchised without access to driving tests.

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Micheál Martin The Taoiseach Fianna Fáil

I will certainly follow that up with the Minister. That is not acceptable that there is a 28-day delay. There should be cover for any tester who goes on leave. If there is no cover, the list will only grow. I will follow that up with the Minister.

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