Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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100. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the advice his Department is giving to driver schools in order to facilitate them reopening in a safe manner as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14020/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The NPHET, together with a team of national experts, decided 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 29 June.

In anticipation of the resumption of driver testing on 29 June, the 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.

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.

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.