I outlined in my answer, to which the Deputy refers, why it is not safe to allow unqualified drivers to drive unaccompanied. Public safety in all its aspects, including on our roads, has to be the highest priority of any responsible Minister.
I appreciate that this creates difficulties for many people at this time, including some health workers. However, I am not prepared to risk the safety of the learner drivers themselves, or of other road users. To do so would be an irresponsible response to a temporary inconvenience, and I am disappointed that the Deputy would imply that laws intended to keep people on our roads safe might be worked around at the present time.
I would add that the health service is focused on addressing the viral outbreak and increasingly the needs of those whose care was interrupted by the emergency response to COVID19, and it would be doubly irresponsible to burden it with the added pressure of further road casualties.
Individuals facing difficulties in this respect should bring them to the attention of local health service management in the first instance, given their responsibilities in relation staffing and also health and safety. I am confident that they will be able to advise on appropriate safe alternatives. The Deputy will be aware that temporary accommodation can also be made available to healthcare workers where necessary and I understand that, where transport is required, local arrangements may be made and managed at Area Crisis Management Team (ACMT) level. I refer the Deputy to https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/coronavirus/policies-procedures-guidelines/temporary-accommodation-for-healthcare-workers.html.
