SUSAN HORN,
Madam, - Mindful of the Minister's new enthusiasm, I recently tried to apply to renew my 10-year full driving licence. My local Garda station has apparently not had the requisite form D.401 for some time, and "do not know know when we'll be getting them in", and nor did two other Garda stations.
My husband, being a post-dotcom man, suggested that we might try the official Government website at www.oasis.gov.ie. He duly found form D.401 and, following instructions on the website, printed it off for me to submit by post - noting that soon even online application will be possible. Nevertheless, impressed by e-government in action, I sent the completed form to my local authority, only to have it returned a week later and rejected as a photocopy!
It seems that Irish e-government is not only a quick way to join the back of a long queue, but a secure way of staying there too. - Yours, etc.,
SUSAN HORN, Dublin Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.