Johnny Mythen
Ceist:244. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce driver test waiting times in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22447/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 September 2020
Ceisteanna (244, 246)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:246. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the driver test services in County Wexford to address the backlog of persons awaiting tests. [22449/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 246 together.
The driver testing service restarted on a gradual basis during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for easing of Covid19 restrictions.
On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles (except for trucks in C1 and buses in D1 categories). Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed from the 16 July.
Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.
Details of specific centres are operational matters for the RSA.