Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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578. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects driver tests to resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10171/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.

The driving test raises particular difficulties, given the need for two people to be in close proximity, in a confined space, for a significant period of time. For this reason, I expect the driving test to be the last of the RSA's services to reopen, and I anticipate that this will be in phase 4 of the Government's Roadmap for reopening the country.

Dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.