Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2020
53. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to significant delays in appointments in National Driver Licence Service Dublin offices causing difficulties in renewing licences in part due to NDLS medical report form, D501, valid one month from signing by a doctor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29246/20]
View answerI am very much aware of the delays people are experiencing in obtaining appointments to attend at National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres. The NDLS has now resumed services however they are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working with their providers to see how they can create the additional capacity needed as quickly as possible, while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options being introduced include a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime.
The NDLS booking system is undergoing software changes to cater for the expanded booking window associated with the additional NDLS appointment slots, with testing commencing this week.
The introduction of these steps may help ease some of the pressure on the NDLS, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres. The RSA is continuing work with my Department to expand the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.
Some applicants for driving licences, such as those for truck or bus categories or persons with certain medical conditions, are required to provide a medical report with their applications. The medical report must not be dated more than one month prior to the date of application to ensure that the most up-to-date assessment of the applicant is provided.
