Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

678. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has sought advice from NPHET regarding the resumption of driver tests. [12902/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis and my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.

The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department and the relevant health authorities, 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 resumption of driver testing has raised particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.

In line with the revised Government Roadmap for Reopening, which was based on the latest advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), I am happy to be able to report that driver testing is now being reopened on a phased basis.  This began as of yesterday with driver testing for trucks, buses, and motorbikes.  Tests for cars, vans (category C1) and minibuses (category D1) will be phased in at a later date, taking acccount of lessons learned from the already resumed tests. 

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.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

679. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver test centres will reopen in view of the fact there are many persons waiting to be called for their test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12956/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The RSA has been 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 resumption of driver testing has raised particular problems in terms of compliance with the Protocol and in particular social distancing rules, as it requires the driver tester and the candidate to be within a two metre distance continuously for a period in excess of 20 minutes, in a very confined space which is not in itself a workplace under the control of the RSA.

I am happy to be able to report that driver testing is now being reopened on a phased basis under Phase 3 of revised Roadmap, which commenced 29 June.  This begins with driver testing for trucks, buses, and motorbikes.  It is planned to resume tests for cars, vans (category C1) and minibuses (category D1) on a phased basis in July and before Phase 4 commences on 20 July, taking acccount of lessons learned from the already resumed tests. 

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.