Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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92. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if driver instructors and schools for each class of vehicle may return to work on 29 June 2020 in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business (details supplied). [13926/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I would firstly like to point out that the National Public Health Emergency Team, a team of national experts, advised Government in its decision to revise the Roadmap for Reopening Ireland, including which businesses could resume trading in each Phase of the gradual reopening of our economy, and they included driving schools on the list of businesses cleared to reopen on or after 29 June.

The RSA wrote to Approved Driving Instructors 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.

However, the RSA cannot dictate to driving schools on how they should run their business, or 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.

While the RSA is responsible for driver testing and took the original decision to close the driver testing service during the pandemic, the RSA has no authority to order a suspension or resumption of driving instruction. This is decision for driving instructors and schools in keeping with national policy.

The RSA resumed driving tests for motorcycles, buses and trucks from 29 June, with resumption of tests for the car, van and minibus categories due to be introduced later in phase 3 of the reopening Roadmap. However the continued provision of driver tuition can only be taken by the individual driving instructor taking into account their own personal circumstances.

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

With regard to insurance, insurance companies are regulated by the Central Bank, which comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Finance. I have no role or powers in relation to the terms applied by insurance companies.