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Tuesday, 30 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 702-724

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (702)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

702. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the time frame by route for the roll out of a 24-hour bus services in Dublin. [13143/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with the relevant bus operators and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (703)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

703. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the income received by Iarnród Éireann from advertising in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [13144/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

The issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (704)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

704. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to extending the time period for taxi drivers to renew their licences in view of Covid-19 causing delays in NCT and suitability tests which in the contention of many taxi drivers, is forcing them off the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13152/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including regulatory measures in response to the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.  I am aware that the NTA has made arrangements with the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) to put a priority system in place for SPSVs.  I also understand that no late renewal fees will be charged as a result of any delays experienced by licence holders due to a delay in securing an NCT appointment.

Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (705)

Joe O'Brien

Ceist:

705. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure greater passenger capacity on rail lines nationally in order to facilitate social distancing of passengers as phase 3 of the easing of lockdown restrictions approaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13157/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the 25th of June, Government announced changes to the existing public transport social distancing restrictions. It has been agreed to move from 2 metres social distancing on public transport to 50% capacity. This will help to underpin public transport during these unprecedented times for the sector, with a view to safeguarding public transport capacity in Phases 3 and 4 of the of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. In support of this change, from the 29th of June it has also been made mandatory to wear a face covering when using public transport, with the exception of those who cannot do so for health reasons or due to age. These measures will significantly help ease the pressure on operators and reduce the gap between public transport supply and demand.

Sports Funding

Ceisteanna (706)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

706. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding sources available for sports clubs for measures such as CCTV to combat antisocial behaviour and vandalism. [13161/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. 

As the SCP is always oversubscribed, priority is given to facilities and equipment that focus on increasing participation in sport. The programme funds a wide variety of works including security fencing and while it does not normally fund CCTV systems,  it is open to any applicant to make a case as to why such measures are required. It is expected that a new round of the Programme will open later this year and the full terms and conditions will be published in advance.  

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (707)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

707. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action being taken by his Department to aid the recovery of the aviation sector which has been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis; the extent to which proposed redundancies in an airline (details supplied) can be prevented by EU Covid-19 related supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13163/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport has maintained regular contact with key aviation stakeholders since the start of the COVID-19 crisis. The aviation industry is one of the most affected by the global pandemic. All airlines have seen severe depletion of revenue and are facing various degrees of financial challenge.  

The Government has brought forward a series of measures to support all businesses impacted by COVID-19. These include the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Pandemic Unemployment Benefit, and the ISIF Pandemic Stabilisation and Recovery Fund for medium and large enterprises.  

Industrial relations are a matter for the airlines and their employees and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has no role in relation to such matters. The industrial relations machinery of the State would be available to assist all parties to reach agreement, should the need arise.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (708)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

708. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has been consulted by or has offered guidance to the Department of Education and Skills in relation to Covid-19 guidance for school transport services for the 2020-2021 academic year. [13172/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The School Transport Scheme comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education.  Bus services outside that scheme are part of the overall public transport sector.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with public transport operators (both public and private) who are implementing public health advice in relation to issues such as cleaning regimes and social distancing measures designed to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19.  The public health advices apply across all public transport including school transport.

The 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' sets out the steps and processes employers and workers must take to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was published by Minister Humphreys on 9 May 2020 and is a living document which will evolve with changing Public Health advice. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.

Departmental Reviews

Ceisteanna (709)

James Browne

Ceist:

709. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the grounds on which persons taking medication are not allowed to drive vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13175/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The minimum standards of physical and mental fitness for driving a power-driven vehicle are set out in Directive 2006/126/EC on driving licences therefore the criteria are set at EU level. 

An application by a person for a driving licence or learner permit must be accompanied by a report by a registered medical practitioner if the applicant is suffering from any illness or disease which requires the regular use of medications likely to affect their ability to drive safely.

The Road Safety Authority, the licensing authority for Ireland, together with the National Office of Traffic Medicine, have developed medical fitness to drive guidelines. The information in these Guidelines is intended to assist doctors and other healthcare professionals in advising their patients on fitness to drive, requirements for reporting to the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and guidance on review of stability, progression or improvement of these conditions. The guidelines focuses on long-term health and disability-related conditions and their associated functional effects that may impact on driving. The latest version of the guidelines can be found here:

https://www.rcpi.ie/traffic-medicine/

 The guidelines are based on the current available scientific and medical evidence and expertise and I do not consider it appropriate or proportionate to interfere.

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (710)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

710. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the charges for NCT tests at the test centre in Ennis will be waived at the time of next testing to reflect the fact that the undercarriages and chassis of many vehicles have not been inspected in recent months due to a non-working vehicle lift at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13194/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, on Monday 8 June 2020, in line with the commencement of Phase 2 of the Government's Roadmap for easing Covid 19 restrictions, the National Car Test (NCT) resumed on a phased basis.

Members of the public who presented their vehicle for an NCT test before the suspension of the service but could only complete a partial inspection due to the vehicle lift issue are now required to return to a test centre to complete their NCT. If the vehicle has travelled more than 5,000km since the partial test, they will also have to undergo a brake and suspension test. This is being carried out free of charge for the vehicle owner

If a vehicle failed its initial NCT inspection and is required to undergo a re-test as a result of that failure, the usual re-test fee of €28 applies.

Rail Network

Ceisteanna (711)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

711. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the numerous accidents that have occurred at the Kilnageer railway crossing between Belcarra and Breaffy outside Castlebar, County Mayo; if he will request the automation of the level crossing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13228/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister, I have overall responsibility for policy and funding in relation to public transport.

The issue raised is an operational matter for the Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR), in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann. I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to the CRR for direct reply.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (712)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

712. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to an extension of a bus route to Carrignavar and Whitechurch, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13252/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland. 

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (713)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

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 fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Due 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.

Bus Éireann

Ceisteanna (714)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

714. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department keeps records of attacks, verbal or physical, on Bus Éireann bus drivers; and if there have been discussions between her Department, Bus Éireann and trade unions representing drivers regarding the installation of protective screens on Bus Éireann buses as there are on Dublin Bus vehicles. [13279/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The safety and security of passengers and staff, including arrangements to deal with anti-social behaviour, are matters for the transport operators, in conjunction with, as appropriate, An Garda Síochána.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Bus Services

Ceisteanna (715)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

715. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if matters raised in submissions by an organisation (details supplied) with regard to the bus and coach sector will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13280/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Firstly I would like to advise that officials in my Department are engaging directly with the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland on a regular basis.

On the 25th of June the Government approved temporary funding supports, in accordance with EU and national legislation, for the licensed bus sector. Licensed operators provide essential transport services for people who need to get to work and are vital to ensure economic recovery. The support package is aimed at ensuring the continued operation of essential licensed bus services for a period of up to six months. The package will be restricted to operators where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention and will be targeted at compensating the gap between specified costs and revenues generated on the services.

The National Transport Authority (NTA), as the public transport licensing agency, will administer the support package through the establishment of contracts between the NTA and the relevant operators.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (716)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

716. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if support is available to voluntary community sporting organisations to assist them in the purchase of hand sanitiser and protective equipment and for the sanitising of facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13293/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A funding package of up to €70 million was announced on Friday 19th June to support the sport sector, which has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This funding package includes;

- Funding of up to €40m for the three main field sports organisations – the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU.  

- a Resilience Fund of up to €10m to support the National Governing Bodies of Sport,

- a Sports Club Resilience Fund of up to €15m to support clubs, and

- a Sports Restart and Renewal Fund of up to €5m. 

Along with the Roadmap accelerations also announced on 19th June, this funding package will ensure the survival of our vibrant sport sector, particularly the network of clubs throughout the country.  

This additional funding will be invested through new grant schemes which will be developed by Sport Ireland and my Department and administered by Sport Ireland. The precise terms of each of the new grant schemes will be announced by Sport Ireland in due course.  

Sport Ireland will announce an open invitation to applications from funded bodies for assistance under the grant schemes.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (717)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

717. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will return in order to facilitate frontline workers that had provisional licences prior to the Covid-19 pandemic to graduate to a full licence; if special arrangements exist for emergency driver licence tests for persons in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13353/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Due 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 pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that driver testing services resumed yesterday on a phased basis, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap.  At present, driving tests are available for trucks, buses and motorcycles, with testing for cars, vans and minibus due to resume 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.

The Road Safety Authority has always reserved a number of driving test slots each week for candidates who need a full driving licence urgently, and this service will continue after the resumption of the driving test service. 

Any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service, including the wearing of facemasks, are being determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (718)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

718. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest advice or direction for travel agents regarding cancelled holidays and ticket exchange requests from customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13354/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 19 June, legal provisions were introduced to provide State backing for a new, temporary form of voucher called a Refund Credit Note, which can be issued by Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators to their customers where a booking has been cancelled due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Whilst consumers are entitled to a full cash refund under the Package Travel Directive in circumstances where a package holiday has to be cancelled because of Covid-19 restrictions,  customers can also agree to accept a Refund Credit Note instead of cash.  If they do, which helps stem the immediate cash drain being experienced by the sector, then the State will stand over the cash value of that Note in the event that the issuer goes out of business. Consumer protections are therefore safeguarded. All relevant information is available on the Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1ae3d-refund-credit-note/

Further guidance on the right of travellers to terminate package travel contacts due to the unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/40f0d7-guidance-on-the-right-of-travellers-to-terminate-package-travel-cont/  

National Car Test

Ceisteanna (719)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

719. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a NCT appointment can be made by telephone for persons that are not online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13357/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The operation of the National Car Test (NCT) service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. 

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (720)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

720. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if driving instructors are permitted to return to work on 29 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13358/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are no provisions under Road Traffic law in relation to permission for driving instructors to work.  The Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has oversight of the sector, did advise Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to protect themselves, their families and communities by following the official Government and HSE guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.  In addition, like all enterprises and persons, ADs are subject to the relevant public health regulations.

Last week, the RSA updated ADIs in relation to their plans for resuming driver testing services in line with the revised Government Roadmap for Reopening, including a series of Frequently Asked Questions for ADIs and also details of the protocols being followed for driving tests.  

However, it must be noted that, as a private business, driving instructors must ensure that they can comply with the necessary public health requirements before they can reopen their businesses.  Furthermore, those which are employers should ensure that they fully comply with their legal responsibilities under Health and Safety codes.  In all case, the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employers and worker representatives should be followed.

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. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (721, 726)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

721. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to compensate or require an airline (details supplied) to compensate passengers that did not catch their flights during the Covid-19 lockdown; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the airline is offering no refunds or vouchers and the only option passengers have is to reschedule their flights at their own expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13361/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

726. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with airlines to ensure that passengers here that had flights cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic receive refunds without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13446/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 721 and 726 together.

As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of flight cancellations . However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law. I understand, however, that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market in instances where flights are not cancelled, and having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher, without further charge.

Clearly the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions across the globe. That has, not surprisingly, put the entire system under immense pressure and it is causing real difficulties for people and businesses.

I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be fair or workable for customers in all instances, and it is something that I will raise directly with the two main Irish airlines at the earliest opportunity. In looking to the future recovery, seeking ways to rebuild consumer confidence will be integral to initiating and indeed sustaining any future recovery for all parts of the aviation sector including the airlines.

Driver Test

Ceisteanna (722, 732)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

722. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if emergency or prioritised driver test appointments will be provided for persons that are essential carers and or essential workers and that urgently need to do a test in order to be able to drive legally but whose planned tests were cancelled due to Covid-19, in view of the planned lifting of many of the Covid-19 restrictions on 29 June 2020. [13368/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

732. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver tests will return in order to facilitate frontline workers that had provisional licences prior to the Covid-19 pandemic being able to graduate to a full licence; if special arrangements exist for emergency driver licence tests for persons in such circumstances. [13501/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 732 together.

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 pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that driver testing has resumed on phased basis, beginning yesterday, 29 June. At present tests are being made available for trucks, buses and motorcycles,. It is planned to inroduce testing for cars, vans and minibuses in July before Phase 4 commences on 20 July, in line with the Goverment's revised plan for reopening the country.

The Road Safety Authority has always reserved a number of appointment slots for those in urgent need of a driving test, and will continue to do so when the driver testing service resumes.

Any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of the service, including the wearing of facemasks, are being determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (723)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

723. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the guidelines set out to the Road Safety Authority and or driving schools as to the way in which testing and lessons are meant to take place, in view of the fact driving schools can reopen from 29 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13371/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 22 June the Road Safety Authority issued letters to all Approved Driving Instuctors, advising them of the plans for resuming driver testing services. The letter included the protocols to be observed in driver testing, with a view to Driving Schools 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. 

As the oversight of Approved Driving Instructors, including communications in relation to the resumption of services, is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, I am referring your question to the RSA for further direct reply.  If you do not reply within 10 days, please contact my  Office.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Driver Licences

Ceisteanna (724)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

724. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process by which a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can renew their driver licence; the reason their attempts to do so failed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13405/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Road Safety Authority has operational responsibility for the driver licensing service, and will respond directly on this matter.

Please contact my office if a response has not been received within 10 working days. 

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
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