Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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606. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider requesting the National Drivers Licence Service, NDLS, to provide for a phone-based system for customers to book, schedule and amend appointments to complement the existing online system, in light of the fact some persons do not have easy access to computer technology and thus find it very difficult to make an appointment with the NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28022/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS), and what the Deputy is asking is largely an operational matter for the RSA.  However, I think it's a good idea and I will ask the RSA to contact the NDLS about it. Obviously any cost implications or contractual changes would have to be considered before any decision was made.

There have already been several improvements to the service since it was introduced last October, including the online booking system to which the Deputy referred.  While it will continue to examine how improved customer service can be provided, the RSA is of the view that the on-line system is working very well.  The NDLS does maintain some booths at its centres for ‘walk-in’ applicants who come without a booking.

I should point out that the reason people are required to attend an NDLS office in person is that the SAFE 2 ID verification protocol requires people to attend in person for ID verification and image capture.  This needs to happen only once – after they have been verified according to SAFE 2, people will not need to go in person to an NDLS office when renewing or replacing their licences.  At present all applicants for a new or renewed licence must go through this procedure, but as time passes renewal applicants will not, and pressure for appointments should reduce.