434. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has examined the use of certified private providers to conduct practical driving tests in other jurisdictions; the details of any such review: if consideration has been given to the introduction of a regulated system of licensed private driving test centres operating under Road Safety Authority oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61589/26]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service. While my Department is responsible for the overall staffing sanction, it is not involved in the delivery of driver testing at an operational level.

Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.