James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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117. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an appointment with the NDLS will be expedited for a person (details supplied); if the needs of the person will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19373/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As you can appreciate Covid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of services. The NDLS resumed operations from the 8th June, with a number of new protocols and procedures in place to keep both staff and customers as safe as possible.  The service is operating currently at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with occupational and public health requirements. Offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to social distancing requirements and in the interests of protecting staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance.

Inevitably, and despite the best efforts of the NDLS, there will be a longer than normal delay in obtaining appointments for renewing driving licences.  The Road Safety AUthority is working with its providers to increase capacity while adhering to the Return to Work Safely Protocol.  Options being considered include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Certain licences can be renewed online, thus removing the need to secure an appointment.  The online service can be accessed at the following link .

Any queries in relation to driver licences or urgent cases can be addressed to NDLS Customer Service at 076 1087880 or be emailing info@ndls.ie or rsa.ie

I have referred your case to the RSA for consideration.