Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
691. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public health advice regarding the expected phase for the resumption of driver lessons and tests based on the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12232/20]
View answerDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Regulations to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit, were put in place. 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.
The resumption of car driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the National Return to Work Safely 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.
It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the revised Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus to follow. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
The arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service, are being determined by the RSA following consultation with employee representatives and with the advice of health authorities.
I can confirm that the RSA has advised approved driving instructors of its plans for resumption, including the protocols being used for driving tests, with a view to them reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government's acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
However, it must be noted that as a business, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses.
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.
