False dawn on driver theory tests says Lowry

New figures reveal that 263 people are waiting for their driving test in Longford.

placeholder image — New figures reveal that 263 people are waiting for their driving test in Longford.

One Tipperary person has had the driving test cnacelled on seven occasions

‘There was much relief when in-person Driver Theory Testing recommenced on June 8th. It now appears that, for many, this was a false dawn’ said Deputy Michael Lowry during Dail Questions on Promised Legislation.

Addressing Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Deputy Lowry said that many young people across Tipperary have contacted his office in frustration and anger due to unacceptable delays. Applicants who applied in February will not be offered an appointment until October of this year.

Last Summer the Minister for Education Joe Mc Hugh agreed a package of supports for the primary schools in the town including 2 EAL posts, Inclusion in the School’s Excellence Fund, NEPS Literacy and Numeracy Interventions Training and a Family Liaison Teacher. These Interim measures were agreed by the Minister, the 5 Principals and Deputy Michael Lowry who had been negotiating on a package of supports for the schools for a number of months.

Deputy Michael Lowry

‘This is not tolerable for young motorists who need to progress their lives by being allowed to drive. Young people have missed opportunities for apprenticeships, work experience, education and agricultural work. What plans does the Government have to tackle this? What plans are in place to urgently address these delays’ he questioned.

The Tanaiste replied that services are and will gradually return to normal. He said that 40 new Temporary Driving Testers have been hired for commencement at the end of June and sanction has been granted to hire a further 40.

‘I absolutely acknowledge that there is a backlog. It is very frustrating for people who need to get on the road, need the freedom that that brings, to get to work or to college and do all the things they want to do. We are working to get through the backlog over the next couple of months’ he said.