Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of arrangements to extend the driver licences of persons whose licences are expiring due to the large backlog for renewals and unavailability of appointments in addition to the fact that online renewals require a person to have a public services card, for which there is also a backlog. [17177/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The possible extension of the validity of drvier licences for a further period is under consideration. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) recommenced on Monday 8 June 2020. The service resumed on a gradual basis and by Monday 29 June all NDLS centres, except Clifden and Belmullet, had reopened. Part-time NDLS offices in Belmullet and Clifden are expected to reopen in the coming weeks.

NDLS offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers and therefore all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.

The Road Safety Authority is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths. Some applicants may be able to apply online. Details are available on the NDLS website (www.ndls.ie). However, a Public Services Card is required for online renewals.

Any queries in relation to driving licences can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 076 108 7880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie.