Louise O'Reilly
Question:83. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with assisted driving instructors and their trade union regarding their being deemed essential workers. [34432/20]
View answerThursday, 5 November 2020
Questions (83)
Written answers
Regulations introduced on the 21st October by my colleague, the Minister for Health, define the provision of driving instruction as an essential service.
Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.
I must emphasise to the Deputy, however, that driving instructors and driving schools operate as private companies and are entirely free to make their own decisions as to whether to continue offering their services at this time. Neither my Department nor the Road Safety Authority can dictate to driving instructors as to how they should run their business nor indeed oblige them to continue offering lessons against their will.