Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
766. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the way in which driver testing capacity can be resumed here; the way in which he will address the inevitable backlog in driver tests and sensitive cases for expedited tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7384/20]
View answerThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of public services for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol agreed by employer and trade union representatives. As the Deputy will appreciate, the driving test raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the protocol and, in particular, social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests at this time is inconvenient to those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap .
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
