Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
679. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver test centres will reopen in view of the fact there are many persons waiting to be called for their test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12956/20]
View answerThe RSA has been 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 has raised 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 am happy to be able to report that driver testing is now being reopened on a phased basis under Phase 3 of revised Roadmap, which commenced 29 June. This begins with driver testing for trucks, buses, and motorbikes. It is planned to resume tests for cars, vans (category C1) and minibuses (category D1) on a phased basis in July and before Phase 4 commences on 20 July, taking acccount of lessons learned from the already resumed tests.
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.
