Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
713. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if clarity will be provided regarding the return of driving schools and testing as announced in the revised reopening plan to commence on 29 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13257/20]
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.
I am happy to be able to inform the Deputy that the resumption of driver testing services on a phased basis began yesterday, 29 June. At present, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing for trucks, buses and motorcycles is being rolled out, with testing for cars, vans and minibuses to start in July before Phase 4 commences on 20 July. 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, including the wearing of facemasks, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
In relation to driving lessons, I can confirm that the RSA issued guidelines to all Approved Driving Instructors last week, 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.
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.
