Driver Test

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

Questions (155)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

155. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 6 October 2020, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that none of the fully licensed drivers, such as instructors, parents or guardians, that he referred to in the reply are allowed shelter, use toilets or hand washing facilities at the RSA driving test centres; and if his further attention has been drawn to that fact that this is in stark contrast to NCT centres that have set up to allow persons to wait in a socially distant and safe manner indoors in their centres. [30940/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

I am aware of the recent closure of washing facilities and waiting rooms at driving test centres due to current public health restrictions.

Operational arrangements at test centres, including the availability of waiting and washing facilities, are a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I understand from the Authority that, given the rise in confirmed cases of Covid-19 across the country and the general tightening of public health restrictions more generally, the current policy is unlikely to be relaxed in the near future. These protocols have been developed on the basis of the general Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employers and unions and also based on guidance from the relevant public and occupational health authorities. I am sure that the Deputy would not wish a public sector employer such as the Road Safety Authority to put in place arrangements which were at variance with such guidance.