James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driver instructors can return to work in line with public health guidance in view of the fact they are self-employed and do not come under the remit of the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13815/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), a team of national experts, advised Government when it decided to include driving schools on the list of businesses cleared to reopen on 29 June.

In anticipation of the resumption of driver testing on that same date, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) wrote to each Approved Driving Instructor on 22 June, advising them of the planned phased return 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 RSA cannot, however, dictate to driving schools how they should run their business and nor cannot it issue medical advice. It is up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and communities by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

I understand that any business which reopens is subject to inspection by Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and may face serious sanctions, including closure, if found to be not in compliance with Covid-19 requirements.