Driver test waiting times
Deputy O'Connor highlights very long waiting times for driver tests, especially in Dungarvan, and says the RSA has failed to meet targets; he also congratulates Cork ahead of the final. The Tánaiste says the issue is being worked on by the relevant Ministers and the RSA, while also wishing the counties well in their games.
I raise the issue of the national average waiting time for a driver test of 14 weeks. In Dungarvan the average waiting time is 30 weeks. It is very popular with people in the east Cork area. The Tánaiste knows this is absolutely unacceptable. It has dragged on for years now. The RSA has failed to meet its targets. Is this something the Government could finally look at working towards bringing to an end?
The people of Cork have been waiting for 20 years for something to come to an end this weekend. I wish the Cork team the best of luck against Tipperary. I am sure the Tánaiste will be cheering them on, with most of the Government.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach likes to think he takes care of the cheering for Cork but I very much look forward to attending the Cork and Tipperary game. I am looking at my Tipperary colleague, Deputy Murphy. I wish Cork and Tipperary very well at the weekend and I look forward to a very good final. I also wish Donegal and Kerry the best of luck on the following weekend.
The issue Deputy O'Connor raised on driver tests is important. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, are working very hard on this. They are working with the Road Safety Authority. We need to look at how we reform the RSA. I do not say this to be critical of the RSA. It was set up to promote road safety. We all think of the late Gay Byrne, Lord rest him, and the very good work done. There is also an aspirational side that is quite separate and distinct. I know the Minister of State and the Minister are giving consideration to all of this. Specifically on the issue in Dungarvan, I will ask the Minister of State and the Minister to raise it with the RSA and come back to Deputy O'Connor directly.