Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the procedures being put in place to ensure the backlog of those waiting to book driver theory tests is cleared quickly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18255/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy will appreciate that this is essentially an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

In line with the Government's plans for resumption of services, the driver theory testing service resumed from 8 June.  The suspension of the service during the pandemic inevitably led to backlogs.  At the same time, the need for compliance with health protocols inevitably reduces the throughput of test candidates at the different test centres.

The RSA is managing the situation through extended open hours and additional opening days. My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is continuing to monitor the operation of the service and will make adjustments to assist throughput as and when necessary. 

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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149. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to deal with the shortage of driver theory test appointments available in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18263/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Road Safety Authority is responsible for the operation of the Driver Theory Test.  I have forwarded this query to the RSA for direct reply, and I would ask that the Deputy contact my office directly if a response has not been received within 10 days.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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150. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to deal with the backlog of those waiting to for driving tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18265/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Deputy will appreciate that this is essentially an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

 In line with the Government's plans for resumption of services, driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed on 16 July.  Tests in other categories had already resumed.  The suspension of the service during the pandemic inevitably led to backlogs.  At the same time, the need for compliance with health protocols inevitably reduces the throughput of test candidates at the different test centres.

The RSA is managing the situation by prioritizing those who had a test booked before the closure of the service which was cancelled due to the pandemic, and those in essential services.  One option which may be considered is the employment of additional testers, something which has been done in the past to address backlogs.  However it would be premature to make a decision on staffing at this stage, as many of the issues to be addressed deal with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff. 

My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA, which is exploring how further to manage backlogs while prioritizing public health, and this process is being informed by lessons learned as centres operate under the new health restrictions.