Written Answers Nos. 233-251
233. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the plans that he has to increase supports for those with special educational needs sitting the driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1248/23]
View answer234. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if there are provisions to support those who are functionally illiterate to undergo the driver theory test; if such supports will be advertised widely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1259/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 and 234 together.
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of all aspects of the National Driving Test, this includes the Theory Test which is a crucial component of the driver learning and testing system both in Ireland and across the European Union.
I understand that the Driver Theory Test provider offers various options to accommodate candidates who may require special assistance to take their test. For instance, a voiceover option is available, whereby the questions and answers are read out to the candidate over headphones. Additional time is allowed for the candidate to take the test. There is also a reader recorder service whereby a staff member will read the questions and answer options to the candidate and record their answers on screen. Other services offered include dyslexia support, professional and Irish Sign Language (ISL) video clips, or ISL interpreters.
I am told that to avail of extra time or a reader recorder service during their test, a candidate must write to the Driver Theory Test Service with medical evidence on official headed paper from a school, doctor or professional person confirming the assistance the candidate requires. This should be posted to: Driver Theory Test, PO Box 15, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Test Day Assistance and Support Services must be booked in advance by calling 0818 606 106 or via the postal application form available for download at www.theorytest.ie/general-information/test-day-assistance-support/.
The RSA continuously seek to review its services to ensure customers are supported and welcomes the feedback of customers and their advocates.
236. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the measures he intends taking to address the long delays in access to driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1292/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driving Test. This includes the operation of the test, driving test applications and all scheduling matters. I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
I believe the RSA operates a fair and transparent appointment scheduling process. I understand that those who are eligible and have been waiting the longest are offered a test first.
Urgent tests are available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where those candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work).
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
On the broader issue of driver testing delays, I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.
I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority will report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them promptly.
237. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the steps that his Department is taking to reduce the waiting time for driving tests; if he will acknowledge the difficulty that this is causing for those who need a full driving licence for work and or family reasons; if he will commit to ensuring that resources are deployed to bring down the waiting time for a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1314/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the national driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters.
I understand that due to the COVID pandemic, and the necessary ensuing precautions, a significant driver testing backlog developed.
I am informed that the current increase in demand for driving tests and the time to invitation for learner drivers has a number of contributing factors which include: an increase in learner permits in circulation which has grown by about 30% since Q3 2019; increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test when the service resumed post Covid-19 pandemic and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers which has increased the volume of learners becoming eligible and ready to take their actual test.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is making every effort to address this issue. The Authority conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the driver testing service in 2022, following which my Department sanctioned an increase in the permanent driver tester headcount from 100 to 130.
I am informed that the RSA is currently deploying a number of successful candidates across the driver testing service, with a focus on geographical areas with the longest waiting lists. It is expected that the remainder will be deployed by Q1 2023.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and the Authority has been asked to report back to my Department on the steps being taken to continue to reduce waiting times. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them.
238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps he intends taking to ensure that where holding a foreign driving licence automatically entitles a person who moves to Ireland to an equivalent Irish licence, it is possible to effect the exchange of a licence with a minimum of delay and without leaving applicants without any licence for an extended period of time given that the foreign licence must be handed-in on application for the exchange; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1357/23]
View answer239. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if the foreign driving licence of a person who moves to Ireland remains in force in the State until an exchange Irish driving licence is issued, despite the fact that the licence must be submitted with the application for an exchange Irish licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1358/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 239 together.
The exchange of foreign licences is managed through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). According to the NDLS, 20,604 foreign licence exchange applications were received in 2022, 92.5% of these have been processed to date. The average processing time for applications in 2022 was 36 working days, this has improved in recent months to 25 working days.
There are various reasons for delays in processing foreign licence exchanges, for example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as, a medical or eyesight report, or the physical driving licence itself in the case of an online application. The most common reason for delays is the NDLS awaiting verification of the driving licence from the foreign driving licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.?
Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the foreign country in which the licence was obtained.
As regards Question 1358/23, it is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence for up to 12 months under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors. A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here.
Under section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, it is an offence to drive without a valid driving licence.
240. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position regarding the proposed significant road improvements for the N24 from Cahir to near Pallasgreen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1365/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation, management and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
241. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider an exemption for drivers who already have a driving licence from the need to be tested to tow a trailer with a vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1382/23]
View answerPrior to 13 November 1989, a car and trailer licence was automatically received on passing a driving test in a car.
Vehicle categories were then reclassified for driving licence purposes, with separate categories covering Category B (cars and light vehicles) and Category BE (car or light vehicle and trailer) and the requirement to pass a driving test in the category BE (car & trailer) was introduced.
People licensed to drive with a trailer before 13 November 1989 were allowed to keep this entitlement by indicating this on the application form when renewing their licence. The entitlement could be restored up to ten years after last holding it. If the entitlement to drive with a trailer has lapsed for longer, drivers must apply as learners for the purposes of driving with a trailer.
In 2013, the then Minister for Transport received representations from the Irish Farmers’ Association, suggesting that many farmers who had a pre-1989 car licence had unintentionally lost their trailer entitlement when renewing their licences. The Minister agreed, on a once-off basis, to allow people in this position, whether farmers or not, to reclaim the trailer entitlement where they could prove that they had previously held it. The Road Safety Authority made arrangements to accommodate drivers in this position for a limited period (up to November 2013).
It remains the case that where a person has held the BE category on their driving licence at any time in the last ten years, they can have the category added to their licence without the need to sit a driving test.
The requirement to pass a driving test in category BE (car & trailer) in order to obtain a driving licence in category BE is a legal requirement and is also set out in the EU Directive on driver licensing.
242. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport when the freight hub at Athenry train station, County Galway, will be developed under Irish Rail plans to increase rail freight services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1385/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways.
This also includes the role of rail freight and, within that, examination and consideration of relevant policies and strategies. This includes Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy, and its proposed future development of freight terminals.
I see both pieces of work being very much complementary, with the commercial perspective of Iarnród Éireann’s analysis to be supported by the broader strategic perspective of the Review, also taking into account the potential of all-island freight movements.
Noting that the implementation of the Rail Freight 2040 Strategy is a matter for Iarnród Éireann, I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
243. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the fixed-payment notice for taxi drivers who refuse to carry guide dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1435/23]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including enforcement matters and the amount specified in a fixed payment notice, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV industry.
However I would note that, since 1 January last, the NTA has introduced new Regulations which amend Schedule 8 of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015 (SI. No. 33 of 2015) in relation to the prescribed amounts for fixed payment offences, including the offence of refusing to carry an assistance dog or guide dog in a small public service vehicle. The new amount payable for this offence is €250.
244. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the issue of cyclists and persons on e-scooters using their bikes or e-scooters on the footpath in view of the risks to pedestrians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1438/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government has committed us to legislating for e-scooters and the Road Traffic and Roads Bill, which is currently being examined by the Oireachtas, has started that process. The Bill will allow me to make regulations putting rules of the road for e-scooters in place.
It is important when introducing any new kind of vehicle to our roads that the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users is at the forefront of all deliberations. To minimise the potential for injury, I intend to restrict their use to public roads and cycle lanes. Under no circumstances will their use be permitted on footpaths.
With regard to pedal cycles, meanwhile, I share the Deputy's view that cycling on the footpath poses a threat to pedestrian safety, particularly when it comes to the very young, the elderly, and the disabled. The offence of cycling on the footpath is not explicitly spelled out in law because it is important that members of An Garda Síochána be allowed a degree of discretion when it comes to allowing very young cyclists stay off the roads as a result of their age and heightened vulnerability. This discretion does not extend, however, to allowing all cyclists free rein to mount and dismount footpaths as they please. As the Deputy may recall, one of my predecessors as Minister for Transport, Mr Paschal Donohoe T.D., introduced fixed charge notices for a number of cycling offences, including that of cycling without reasonable consideration, in August 2015. It is intended that the fixed charge notice for the offence of cycling without reasonable consideration will cover that of reckless cycling on a footpath.
245. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving testers who were let go by the RSA in 2022; the reason that a number of driving testers were let go given the long waiting lists for tests; the number of new driving testers employed in 2022; the number of testers employed by the RSA on 1 January 2022 and on 1 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1439/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested is held by them.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's specific questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
I am aware of the significant backlog in the driver testing service, however, I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is endeavouring to manage the demand pressures and required resourcing.
I am told that there has been an increase in application volumes with learners becoming eligible to take their driving test since the start of 2022. This is a consequence of the economy once again reopening following the COVID pandemic. Many learners who availed of increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test are now becoming eligible for their driving test, resulting in increased demand.
In order to alleviate the backlog in driver testing, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the service. This review recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. Following a successful recruitment campaign, the RSA has deployed the majority of the 30 candidates recruited across the driver testing service with a focus on those geographical areas with the longest waiting times.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and is in the process of setting out a plan for what is needed to continue reducing waiting times. I have asked the RSA to report back to my department on this plan and its implementation as soon as possible. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them.
246. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction given that TII has advised councillors only the section near Tipperary town will be built due to lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1440/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.
Decisions regarding funding allocations for National Roads in 2023 are currently being finalised and will be announced soon.
Noting the above position, I have referred this to TII for a direct update as to this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
247. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the specific delegated functions that have been transferred to Ministers of State appointed in December 2022, in tabular form; and the date of transfer. [1480/23]
View answerJack Chambers TD was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Transport on 17 December, with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics.
A draft delegation of functions order is currently being prepared by the Department of Transport and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. Once finalised and signed, the order will be made available on the Irish Statute Book.
The intention is to delegate certain functions in the sectoral transport areas of aviation, maritime and roads to the Minister of State.
248. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the measures that are being taken to reduce the delays in NCT appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1481/23]
View answer258. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if issues relating to NCT tests have been brought to his attention; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there are delays of up to seven months for a test in some areas; his views on same; and the action that his Department intends to take to resolve the matter. [1657/23]
View answer266. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the backlog and wait times for an NCT test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1715/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 248, 258 and 266 together.
The operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
However, I am aware of the challenges that the RSA and the NCTS are currently facing to meet high demand for tests and the delays which vehicle owners are encountering. My officials are continuing weekly meetings with the Authority to monitor ongoing progress in reducing test delays and ensure all possible actions are being taken to bring the waitlist to an acceptable level in 2023, as well as supporting all appropriate requests from the RSA for assistance.
Strong progress is being made in addressing the long-term staffing issues behind this backlog. Over 60 inspectors were recruited locally in 2022 and a further 50 vehicle inspectors started the last week of 2022, with further recruitment ongoing, bringing the total number of vehicle inspectors to 595 by end-2022, with 7 more currently in training. A number of other measures to provide additional capacity at test centres are also in place, including increased staff overtime, the temporary transfer of 20 testers from the NCTS contractor’s Spanish operation for a period of 3 months (8 of whom who will continue for a further 12 months) and the forthcoming pilot for additional inspection personnel to assist vehicle inspectors with automated elements of the test. Testers are being assigned to the test centres with the most significant delays.
I am advised that customers seeking test appointments may contact the NCTS directly, by calling 01-4135992, or may avail of the priority waiting list function via the NCT website, www.ncts.ie. In the majority of cases, these vehicle owners are provided with an appointment within 30 days.
249. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) will be given an urgent date to undergo their driving test given that they require the use of a car for their job as an essential worker. [1482/23]
View answerThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of the National driving test. This includes all driving test applications and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department have the powers to intervene in individual cases.
I am aware that urgent tests are only available to applicants who are employed by the HSE, a private hospital or the emergency services where the candidate would need to drive as part of their job (not including commuting to their place of work).
Information on who can apply for an emergency test is available at www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/the-driving-test/faqs.
250. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the number of RSA driving test centres located in south Dublin, given that currently there are only two test centres located in south Dublin which is leading to significant delays for those waiting for a driving test appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1494/23]
View answerThe operation of the national driving test service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the information requested is held by them.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's specific questions to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
I am aware of the significant backlog in the driver testing service, however, I would like to assure the Deputy that the RSA is endeavouring to manage the demand pressures and required resourcing.
I am told that there has been an increase in application volumes with learners becoming eligible to take their driving test since the start of 2022. This is a consequence of the economy once again reopening following the COVID pandemic. Many learners who availed of increased capacity in the Driver Theory Test are now becoming eligible for their driving test, resulting in increased demand.
In order to alleviate the backlog in driver testing, the RSA conducted a review of the current and evolving needs of the service. This review recommended that the number of permanent driver testers employed by the RSA should be raised from 100 to 130. Following a successful recruitment campaign, the RSA has deployed the majority of the 30 candidates recruited across the driver testing service with a focus on those geographical areas with the longest waiting times.
The RSA has assured me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and is in the process of setting out a plan for what is needed to continue reducing waiting times. I have asked the RSA to report back to my department on this plan and its implementation as soon as possible. If sanction requests for further increases in driver testers are received, my Department will evaluate them.
251. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the name of the company, organisation or persons contracted to provide media training to him from 1 January 2021 to date; the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1517/23]
View answerMy Department has not provided me with media training since taking up my role as Minister for Transport.
