Cllr William Carey (SF) SDCC has accused the minister for transport of deliberately trying to mislead the public by releasing incomplete figure in relation to driver tests.
In a response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Fein TD Darren O’Rourke on learner drivers awaiting their test, the minister released figures indicating that there are currently 92,210 awaiting testing.
Cllr Carey stated that there are now also over 65,000 people awaiting a theory test and they have not been included in the figures. The minister and the government have so-far refused to include the theory test as an “essential service” and as a result is stymying people from applying for their test. Cllr Carey was speaking after learning of the release of figures after he had raised the matter publicly last month.
Cllr Carey added, this is deliberately misleading, and the minister must address this immediately. There are thousands of young people currently applying for their theory test, but because it is not deemed essential they have not been included on the waiting list.
Cllr Carey said he also wanted to echo the call from his colleague and SF party spokesman on Transport Darren O’Rourke in calling for the theory test to be provided on line immediately.
Cllr Carey concluded by saying, young people setting out on their life careers are been stymied by the actions or in-actions of this government. It would also seem that minister Eamon Ryan’s wish to see less cars on the road has been taken to the extreme by denying drivers the opportunity to get on the road in the first place.
