Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
229. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will be instructed to clear the backlog for driver tests and long wait times for the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, appointments in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36742/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in constant contact with the Road Safety Authority since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.
As you are aware, car driving tests were first temporarily suspended due to the Covid-19 in March 2020 and since resuming operations in mid-July, there has inevitably been an increased level of demand due to the consequent backlog.
Unfortunately, due to social distancing and other public health and hygiene requirements, service capacity has had to be considerably reduced. This means that customers experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended.
Level 5 restrictions which took effect for six weeks from 22 October 2020, means that driving tests are now only available to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work. While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety must remain of paramount importance.
The Road Safety Authority is currently examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints when driver testing resumes after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.
My Department has recently approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November, and the RSA has also rehired a further 18 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity when services resume. In the longer term the Department is considering proposals by the RSA for further measures to address the backlog.
The NDLS resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.
Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets.
The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime. The RSA has also expanded the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system
