Written Answers Nos. 855-878
855. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a successful funding application by a local authority (details supplied); if funding has been drawn down; the next phase in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8330/20]
View answerOn 10th January Minister Ross and I announced provisional allocations totalling €77.4m for 25 projects under Stream 2 (construction) of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). On 13th January we announced further provisional allocations of €5m for a further 7 projects under Stream 1 (design) of the LSSIF. A provisional allocation of €837,680 was announced for a Regional Sports Campus in Cavan under Stream 1 of the fund. My Department wrote to the Council confirming this on the 16th January.
The evaluation procedures and guidelines for the LSSIF provide that once provisional allocations are announced, the successful projects will undergo a further process of due diligence. This process includes a further review of projects including economic appraisals and feasibility studies as appropriate to comply with the public spending code.
My Department wrote to the Council on 30th March as part of that due diligence process and is awaiting the council's response.
856. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or an agency operating under his aegis has devised a roadmap for the way in which companies providing CPC training to drivers will adapt to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8341/20]
View answerThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
My officials and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are currently examining the possibility and appropriate timing of resuming the range of services for which the RSA is responsible, in light of the roadmap recently published by Government and the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, as agreed by employers and trade unions.
I hope to make further announcements in relation to these issues, subject to satisfactory progress in relation to public health, over the coming weeks.
857. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered waiving fees associated with a CPC company transferring its licence to hold a CPC training from one hotel to another in view of the fact that Covid-19 restrictions may prevent certain hotels from reopening. [8342/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority will consider such requests favourably but will require the CPC Training Organisation to contact the CPC Unit directly at www.cpc@rsa.ie.
858. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if holders of certificates of professional competence which are due to expire in the coming months will still be required to meet their training obligations for the renewal of their CPC cards; and if so, the date by which they will have to meet these obligations. [8343/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority have made allowances for professional Drivers with Driver CPC cards that have expired or that are due to expire and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak.
Drivers who hold a CPC card due to expire (or expired on or after the 26 March 2020) have been granted an extension of a maximum of six months up to the 26th September 2020. Drivers will be required to complete any outstanding periodic training in advance of the 26th of September 2020.
859. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there will be further derogations for the postponement of CPC. [8344/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has made allowances for professional drivers with driver CPC cards that have expired, or that are due to expire, and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak.
Drivers who hold a CPC card due to expire (or expired on or after the 26 March 2020) have been granted an extension of a maximum of six months up to the 26th September 2020. Drivers will be required to complete any outstanding periodic training in advance of the 26th of September 2020.
My department and the RSA are currently working on plans for the gradual resumption of the various statutory functions of the Authority, following on from last week's resumption of Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing, and I expect to make further announcements in coming weeks.
860. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the impacts which social distancing guidelines will have on the ability of CPC training companies to deliver training safely; and if he is considering financial subvention to the sector in view of the reduced capacity which it will experience as a result of social distancing. [8345/20]
View answerDriver CPC training is classroom based and in keeping with the EU legislation that regulates Driver CPC, each training day is for a minimum of 7 hours duration excluding breaks. Class size can vary but may not exceed 16 drivers.
Due to the current situation with Covid-19, training organisations will be required to adhere to Government guidelines on social distancing when reopening their business and organising CPC training courses.
Many training organisations operate from hotels and other similar venues and have a choice of rooms available to them. If there is sufficient space in the training room to allow the maximum number of drivers attend while adhering to the social distancing guidelines the maximum number of attendees will be permitted. This is a decision to be made by the individual CPC training organisations in consultation with the HSA and will vary depending on the size of classroom available to them.
While the maximum number of drivers permitted per class is 16, outside of the peak training periods of August/September, the actual number of attendees fluctuates from course to course, with the majority of classes made up of between 8 and 10 drivers.
861. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase enforcement of the CPC requirement and to increase awareness of its existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8346/20]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority Transport Officers and an Garda Síochána are responsible for the Enforcement of Driver CPC and conduct these as part of their routine roadside inspections.
Driver CPC is promoted by the Road Safety Authority on a constant basis. In addition each of the 95 RSA approved Driver CPC Training Organisations run their own advertising campaigns through their own social and local media.
In the last 18 months the Road Safety Authority have run two very successful advertising campaigns. The first during summer 2018 in the lead up to the Bus CPC renewal period and again throughout 2019 in the lead up to the Truck CPC renewal period.
In 2018 the RSA issued approximately 23,000 Driver CPC cards to qualified drivers, and in excess of 33,600 CPC cards were issued to qualified drivers in 2019. To date this year up to 5,000 CPC cards have been issued.
862. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to engage representatives of CPC training organisations in future discussions and decisions regarding legislative changes to the professional driving sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/20]
View answerThere are currently no proposals to make legislative changes to the professional driving sector.
863. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to plan for the reopening of the National Driver Licence Service; when the centres will reopen for customers who require licences urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8353/20]
View answerDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.
The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
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, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
864. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines for taxis returning to work post Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8363/20]
View answer867. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to protect taxi drivers during the Covid-19 crisis; the advice his Department is providing on adapting vehicles; the financial and non-financial supports that will be put in place to help taxi drivers with this transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/20]
View answer894. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some insurance companies consider the erection of Covid-19 protective screens in vehicles as vehicle modification thus warranting the loss of cover; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a directive from the National Transport Authority would negate this difficulty; if he will direct the NTA to issue directions to owners of small public service vehicles about making them Covid-19 safe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8660/20]
View answer962. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines which apply to driving a taxi during Covid-19; if passenger screens are mandatory; if so, the implications for insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9284/20]
View answer974. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal requirements for screens in taxis. [9472/20]
View answer976. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the type of PPE equipment that will be required for taxi and driving instructors to enable them to operate safely for both themselves and their clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9474/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 864, 867, 894, 962, 974 and 976 together.
In recognition of the economic, social and logistical importance of the overall transport sector, Government designated it among the essential services to continue during the Covid-19 health emergency. Public transport, including the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, remains an important service for those it has continued to carry, including essential workers and those making necessary journeys, and it will continue to play an important role in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I also note that self-employed owner-operators of SPSVs may avail of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 a week.
The day-to-day regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector is, of course, a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
In its role as regulator, the NTA recognises the very difficult business environment that small public service vehicle (SPSV) operators are now dealing with and, as part of its response to this situation, has published information for the SPSV industry which includes guidelines, based on the latest available public health advice, on measures operators can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This document is available on the NTA's website.
The NTA has also taken a number of important actions to reduce the immediate financial burden on SPSV operators. It has extended licences expiring before 12 June 2020 by three months, waived late licence renewal fees, and temporarily relaxed rules around vehicle age limits. The need for further measures will continue to be reviewed in the context of the Government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business.
As industry regulator, issues relating to vehicle standards for SPSVs and insurance requirements for SPSVs come within the NTA’s area of responsibility and I have, therefore, forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply. Please advise this office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
865. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide cycle lanes on the N7 to and from Rathcoole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8368/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the planning, design, construction and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
866. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a location (details supplied) will be reviewed for safety for both cyclists and motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8369/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and for the overall funding of sustainable mobility.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility in the Greater Dublin Area for the planning and development of sustainable mobility infrastructure, including cycling infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
868. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated full year cost of a 15% budget increase for LocalLink; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8381/20]
View answerThe total allocation to Local Link in 2020 is €23.4 million, and percentage amounts can be calculated from this base. Future funding levels for the programme will be subject to the annual Estimate and Budgetary processes.
869. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the assistance that will be provided to person (details supplied) regarding a previously booked suitability test for a new car bought due to the ten year rule on taxis; if a suitability test will be provided in such circumstances in order for persons to return to work and cease assistance payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8390/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including suitability tests for SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator I have forwarded your correspondence to the Authority for consideration and direct reply as appropriate.
870. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a business (details supplied) will receive assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8403/20]
View answerSince the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures on-board; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.
871. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports in place and that will be introduced to support the private coach and bus sector through the Covid-19 crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8426/20]
View answerSince the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures on-board; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through the National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.
872. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if correspondence (details supplied) in respect of the bus and coach sector will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8427/20]
View answerFirstly I would like to advise that officials in my Department have commenced engagement with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland and will continue to do so on a regular basis.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures on-board; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through the National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.
873. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way in which the membership of the tourism recovery task force was decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8428/20]
View answerThe Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established by Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Ministers which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and will report back later this year.
The Taskforce is made up of an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. The Minister of State and I selected members on the basis of each person's capacity to bring his/her personal knowledge, skills, experience, competence, capability, strategic leadership and ideas to the work of the group. We have appointed individuals who, together, will work for the good of Irish Tourism as a whole.
874. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is appropriate that the pub industry here is not represented on the tourism recovery task force in view of the links between pubs and the tourism industry. [8429/20]
View answerThe Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established by Minister of State Brendan Griffin and I on 20 May 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan for submission to the Ministers which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023. The Taskforce may consult with stakeholders to inform its deliberations and will report back later this year.
The Taskforce is made up of an independent chairperson and 13 other members from a broad spectrum of backgrounds including tourism policy, tourism enterprise, international, private and public service. The Minister of State and I selected members on the basis of each person's capacity to bring his/her personal knowledge, skills, experience, competence, capability, strategic leadership and ideas to the work of the group. We have appointed individuals who, together, will work for the good of Irish Tourism as a whole. I can assure the Deputy that in the same manner that no sector was deliberately included, no sector was deliberately excluded.
It is envisaged that the Taskforce will establish working groups to carry out specific tasks and that the Taskforce will undertake a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties will have an opportunity to provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way.
I should also point out that in addition to the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, there are other forums whereby tourism and hospitality stakeholders, including the LVA and VFI, make very valuable contributions. Most recently both Vintners Associations have assisted the work of Fáilte Ireland in relation to developing guidelines for businesses to reopen while I understand the Associations have also been invited to participate in Fáilte Ireland’s Covid Advisory Group which meets on a weekly basis.
875. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if progress has been made in respect of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8443/20]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from the Council's own resources supplemented by State road grants.
As previously indicated the extent of the cutbacks in grant funding during the post 2008 recession meant that grant funding for road improvement schemes had to be curtailed because expenditure on maintenance/renewal was falling well short of what was required to adequately maintain the regional and local road network.
The National Development Plan (NDP) does provide for the gradual build up in funding for the road network but funding is not yet at the level needed for the adequate maintenance and renewal of regional and local roads. For this reason the primary focus for capital investment at present is the maintenance and renewal of the network and implementation of the 12 regional and local road projects identified for development, subject to necessary approvals, in the NDP.
Some limited provision is being made in the capital budget for the appraisal of a pipeline of upgrade projects. This is intended to cover the appraisal of projects for future development, if possible.
The Department has formally made observations on the draft Preliminary Appraisal Report that was submitted by Meath County Council and is continuing to liaise with the Council in relation to the further analysis required to underpin the assessment and costing of various options for managing traffic in the Julianstown area.
As also explained previously the project assessment process can be expected to take time and all proposed projects must now comply with the revised Public Spending Code published in December 2019. In that regard, DTTAS understand that the Council intends to carry out an origin-destination information gathering exercise to obtain a clear indication of the traffic movements and patterns in and around Julianstown. The Council has confirmed that the data collected from this will inform the project appraisal process and a wider transport study for the Drogheda and East Meath area that Meath County Council proposes to carry out in conjunction with Louth County Council as part of a future Joint Urban Plan. It is noted that this exercise is likely to be delayed as the collection of traffic data at this time is not advisable due to the ongoing impacts of the public health measures that are in place to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Meath County Council has further confirmed that it is committed to implementing traffic management measures in the vicinity of Julianstown in the shorter term.
876. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that airlines are refusing to provide compensation or vouchers to passengers who cannot catch their flights due to the fact that while the flight is still operating passengers cannot catch the flight because they are obeying advice on non-essential travel; his plans to ensure these passengers receive compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8461/20]
View answerThe law is clear in circumstances where an airline cancels a flight - for whatever reason - that all passengers booked on that flight who seek it are entitled to a full cash refund within 7 days. That provision is set out in EU Regulation 261 (2004).
However, notwithstanding the constraints arising from the COVID pandemic, a small number of flights are continuing to be operated. Where a flight takes place there is nothing in the law that entitles a passenger to a refund and/or compensation from an airline, but I understand that in such cases airlines are offering customers the chance to rebook or take a voucher in light of the covid-19 travel restrictions, and therefore in the first instance contact should be made with the airline.
The matter you raise is an important one, and an issue of fairness, and I can assure you that it will be raised with the airlines.
877. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including the administration of the wheelchair accessible vehicle grant scheme, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
878. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a guidance document is being prepared for the resumption of driving lessons and driver licence tests; if a date for the resumption of driving lessons and driver licence tests has been set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8473/20]
View answerDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, I took measures to extend the validity of a number of documents, including the learner permit. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months. If it is the case that the NDLS centres have not re-opened before the extension period expires, the possibility of a further extension will be examined.
The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing 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 among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for 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.
As a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. The National Return to Work Safely Protocol was developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
However, I expect a driving school to encounter the same difficulties as the RSA in terms of complying with the requirements of this Protocol. I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
