During a meeting of the Assembly called to discuss the Committee for Infrastructure motion on DVA backlogs in Northern Ireland, DUP MLA Deborah Erskine highlighted the impact that the issue is having on the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Mrs. Erskine explained that the committee motion on DVA backlogs was brought forward by DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley, the Chairperson of the Committee for Infrastructure, to try and find solutions to the issue.

The DVA backlogs include MOTs, driving tests and theory tests. The issue of MOT backlogs was recently highlighted in this newspaper, which Mrs. Erskine referred to as she spoke in the chamber.

Although DVA backlogs are an issue across the country, Mrs. Erskine noted how she feels residents of Fermanagh and South Tyrone face inequalities compared to other areas in Northern Ireland.

“Locally, what I was trying to point out was the fact that in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, we are being told that we have to travel an awful lot further than anybody else to try and access some of these appointments,” said Mrs. Erskine.

She continued: “So what I was trying to do in the Assembly was to try and point out the fact that we’re having people who are having to make unnecessary journeys for MOT tests, for theory tests, for driving tests.

“It’s really unfair, and there doesn’t seem to be any redress for those people who’ve had to make those journeys, because we all know the cost of fuel is high.

“Therefore those people are out of pocket, and if they have to drive to the likes of Mallusk or wherever, that’s a day off work,” said Mrs. Erskine, who explained that she was trying to point out the inequalities that exist in Northern Ireland around this issue and try to find solutions.

Outlined

During the Assembly meeting, Mrs. Erskine outlined how learner drivers in Fermanagh and South Tyrone have been impacted by the backlog of driving theory tests: “People have to travel, again, to access them, and I ask the Minister to provide an update on what her Department has done to alleviate the problems.

“How and why has she allowed this situation to develop, and what answers can she provide to my rural constituents? Many in my constituency rely on their cars and vehicles, and, without them, there is social isolation.

“This issue goes beyond simply getting an MOT or a driving test.”

Responding to Mrs. Erkine’s comments during the Assembly meeting, the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, said: “Mrs. Erskine raised the theory test, and you will know where all the test centres are located.

“They are all located within 40 miles of constituents. The balance in this matter is between the provision of additional test centres, the additional costs that would be incurred, and those costs then being passed on to the customer.

“I am keeping the issue under review.”