Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
383. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he will give consideration to the use of antigen testing to assist in tackling the 180,000 plus backlog in driver tests in order to facilitate the complete reopening of driving lessons and driver theory testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19606/21]
View answerThe extension of Covid-19 level 5 restrictions by Government means that the Driver Theory Test continues to be suspended and 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.
While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, I must emphasise, that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible and minimising social contacts.
Any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the full return of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
Officials both in my Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that services can resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts. Any question relating to the use of antigen tests would be one for NPHET in the first instance.
