Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
983. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver tests conducted, cancelled or rescheduled during the period January to May 2020 inclusive; the phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in which it is envisaged to recommence driver tests in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9745/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details regarding driving tests are a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has statutory responsibility for them. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
More generally, the RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
The resumption of driver testing raises particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.
I appreciate that the inability to carry out driving tests is among the many difficulties that we all are having to endure at this time, for those awaiting such tests. On a very preliminary appraisal of the Protocol, car driving tests may have to be the last of the statutory functions, for which the RSA is responsible, to recommence in or after Phase 5 of the Government's roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
