Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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971. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driving instructors can return to work (details supplied). [5651/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Driving instruction is provided by instructors who are private individuals either self employerd or who are employed by Driving Schools. They are not employees of the Road Safety Authority. Individual driving instructors and Driving School businesses should refer to the roadmap and to the National Return to Work Safely Protocol, noting that high-risk services are not to resume until Phase 4 at the earliest. 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in consultation with my Department, and subject to the advice of the health authorities, is currently putting together a plan for the resumption of its services, including the carrying out of driving tests and the issuing of driving licenses and learner permits. This plan is being developed in line with the roadmap and with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol.

I have no function in relation to social welfare matters or employment services, including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and questions on these issues should be addressed to my colleague, Regina Doherty, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.