Brendan Griffin
Ceist:45. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 10 September 2020, when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29099/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 October 2020
Ceisteanna (45)
Freagraí scríofa
As I indicated in my response to the Question referred to by the Deputy, this is a matter which is the responsibility of the RSA. I shall contact the RSA to see that a response is expedited.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, 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.
It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date. While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are front-line 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.