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Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020

Tuesday, 14 July 2020

Questions (145)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

145. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to prioritising front-line workers who are waiting for driver tests due to the postponement during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14968/20]

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Written answers

The 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 the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

Driver testing services restarted, on a phased basis, during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for the easing of Covid19 restrictions. On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles. Fourteen driving test centres reopened initially, but as the number of tests and categories of vehicles being tested increases in the coming weeks, the remaining 38 test centres will reopen. The RSA will update its website, rsa.ie to advise on each centre as they re-open.

Following the publication by Government of a revised Phase 3 roadmap for reopening Ireland, driving tests for cars, vans and minibuses are now expected to resume on 16 July on a phased basis. The RSA will prioritise tests for those who are in the emergency services and who contacted them during the suspension of the service. Initially, only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot.

It should be understood that there will be pressure on the available capacity when driver testing resumes. It must also be borne in mind that for all categories, at least for the initial resumption, it is almost certain that fewer daily tests will be conducted by each driver tester. Therefore, while there will be some availability for urgent tests, the RSA’s capacity to make these available to all cases will be limited. The RSA will keep the position under review as they move through the service resumption. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time.

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