Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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81. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a driver test, which is required in order for the person to take up employment in the UK. [16159/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The operation of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply to this individual’s case. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

While this is an operational matter for the RSA, it is my understanding that on the resumption of the driver testing service, it is planned that there will be a prioritisation of appointments. Those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation along with frontline healthcare workers will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as we move through the service resumption.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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82. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting for a driver test; the actions he is taking to clear this backlog quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16176/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The operation of the Driver Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the Question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

While this is an operational matter for the RSA, I understand the Authority, in reopening driver testing services, has considered a number of issues including the backlog of people waiting for tests. I should emphasise that the reopening of the driving test will involve particular difficulties in complying with health guidelines. Those whose appointments were cancelled by the RSA due to the Covid-19 situation along with frontline healthcare workers will have first priority. Priority then will be given in order of application date. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as we move through the service resumption.

All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others.