Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

744. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NTA will be instructed to extend the validity of travel wide annual Dublin Bus tickets purchased prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/20]

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

As Minister, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.  The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services.  The NTA issued a press statement on the 1st May which provides an outline as to how customers of the TaxSaver monthly and annual public transport tickets are to be accommodated.

Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

745. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if NPHET will be requested to provide detailed guidelines on recommended measures driving instructors should take to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13685/20]

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

As outlined in the revised Roadmap announced by Government, driving tests will resume from this week starting on the 29 June on a phased basis.  With the resumption of driving tests, driving instruction will also need to resume.  

The RSA wrote to Approved Driving Instuctors on 22 June, informing them of the imminent resumption of driver testing.  The Authority included a series of Frequently Asked Questions, which provided details of the protocols being applied to driver testing in order to comply with health requirements in line with Government's Protocol on Returning to Work Safely.  These protocols may assist driving instructors in taking the necessary measures resuming their business safely.

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.