Steven Matthews
Ceist:64. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport if the position regarding the provision of emergency driver tests will be reviewed (details supplied). [24472/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 17 September 2020
Ceisteanna (64)
Freagraí scríofa
While this is an operational matter for the RSA, it is my understanding that only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. It must be borne in mind that, due to social distancing guidelines, fewer daily tests will be conducted by each driver tester. As a result, while there will be some availability for urgent tests, the RSA's capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. The RSA therefore, have deemed it necessary to prioritise frontline healthcare workers for the limited number of urgent test slots available. 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.