Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
687. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be provided for approved driver instructors in order that they can avail of the necessary PPE to reopen their businesses safely. [12179/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RSA has advised authorised driving instructors of their plans for resumption of services, including their protocols for driving tests, to assist them in reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government's acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
However, it must be noted that as a private company, a driving school must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses. Businesses are responsible for meeting the costs of their legal obligations in relation to health and safety and always have been.
I understand that any company which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority, and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.
If any company returning to work decides that it requires PPE in order to carry out its business safely, it will be a matter for that company to absorb the costs of this, and any other equipment or modifications, as part of its business costs.
