Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
544. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has spoken with the Minister for Health regarding healthcare workers impacted by the suspension of driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9754/20]
View answerThe suspension of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), including the driving test, has had an inevitable impact on many people. The services are suspended in the interests of public health and safety, which must always be our highest priorities.
During the period of the viral outbreak, the RSA has provided limited tests, on an emergency basis, in the C and D licence categories, that is buses and trucks. The Authority explored the possibility of providing emergency category B - car - driving tests, but found that this would be impossible in light of the current health-based restrictions.
Neither my colleague the Minister for Health nor the Health Services Executive have raised any issues with me regarding healthcare workers and the suspension of driving tests by the RSA. In the event that such issues were to be identified as of concern to those responsible for the health services, I would of course engage with the responsible authorities. It would have been an inappropriate imposition on the Minister for Health's time - in the midst of the first global pandemic in the history of the State - for me to seek to discuss with him matters which had not been identified as impacting on health services, such as the suspension of a service based on unambiguous health advice.
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 Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing 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 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.
The RSA has always reserved a number of appointments for those needing a driving test urgently, and will continue to do so following the resumption of the testing service.
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.
