Joe Flaherty
Question:150. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the growing numbers of persons who are awaiting their driver theory test (details supplied). [4096/21]
View answerWednesday, 27 January 2021
Questions (150)
Written answers
Under current level 5 restrictions, the Driver Theory Test has not been deemed by Government to be an essential service. As a consequence, the service is closed while level 5 restrictions remain in place.
While I regret the inconvenience caused, I think you will agree with me that this decision was necessary for public health reasons. It was decided, in a climate where only limited services are being provided in order to reduce the spread of Covid and where continuing services must be both safe and essential, that even if the theory test could be conducted safely it was not essential to the point of being needed during this period of restrictions.
The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements for when servicers are resumed. In this regard, they would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time. In all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the provision of services.