Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
689. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when guidance will be available for driving instructors on a safe return to work; when car driver tests will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12213/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the RSA has advised driving instructors of their plans for resuming driving tests for 29 June, with a view to them 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.
The RSA is providing guidelines for instructors. 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.
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.
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 in or before Phase 4. Final dates for service resumption remain under discussion and are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
Dates for the resumption of driving tests, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
