Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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262. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the National Driver Licence Service did not extend the validity of driver licences beyond 30 June 2020; if the matter will be reviewed for those drivers who fall outside the criteria for online renewal and cannot obtain a timely appointment such as a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The validity of driving licences and learner permits that expired between March and June was extended for 4 months from date of expiry. People with driving licences with an original expiry date in March, which was extended to July and are now due for renewal, and they can renew their licence at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre.

The NDLS resumed services on Monday 8 June 2020 on a gradual basis with centres re-opening on a phased basis countrywide. Part-time NDLS offices in Belmullet and Clifden are expected to reopen in the coming weeks.

Due to public health measures in place to tackle the spread of the Covid-19, walk-in appointments are no longer available. While services are returning to normal, there will be some delays in acquiring appointments. I understand the individual in question has an appointment for next week. The RSA continues to work on expanding the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.

Learner permits were further extended for an additional 4 months. This extension was given to allow the NDLS to give priority to applications for driving licence renewals.