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Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Ceisteanna (174, 178)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address an oversight with regard to the NDLS licensing arrangements in that licences which expired between March and June 2020 have a four-month grace period but licences expired in July 2020 or thereafter have no grace period but applicants cannot obtain appointments for renewal for up to a month due to the backlog; if has considered extending the grace period to applicants in July 2020 and thereafter until such time as the backlog is cleared and NDLS services are operating as normal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

178. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will extend the renewal deadline for category 2 driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17360/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 178 together.

The decision to extend the validity for learner permits for a further 4 months was taken to ease the pressure on the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) to allow for the prioritising of issuing of driving licences. However, extending the validity of driver licences for a further period is under consideration.

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) resumed services on Monday 8 June 2020. The service resumed on a gradual basis, and by Monday 29 June all NDLS centres, except Clifden and Belmullet, had reopened.

NDLS offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers, and therefore all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.

The Road Safety Authority is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work safely protocol. Options include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths. Some applicants may be able to apply online. Details are available on the NDLS website.

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