Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
653. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver test centres will reopen; if he will make mask wearing mandatory with a view to tests being made available to persons who do not have availability of public transport to get to essential work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11669/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the closure of services provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Regulations to extend the validity of number of documents, including the learner permit, were put in place. Any learner permits which were due to expire from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020 inclusive have had their period of validity extended by 4 months.
The resumption of car 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.
It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles will resume on a phased basis from 29 June, with testing for cars, vans and minibus following. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
The RSA and my Department are finalising the necessary protocols, with the advice of health authorities and experts and in consultation with employee representatives, in relation to the necessary measures in those protocols such as the wearing of masks or other such details.
