Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party)
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237. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will take measures to ensure a person (details supplied) can renew their driver licence before the expiry date of same in view of the backlog to have licences issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19906/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Currently, people under the age of 70 and those that do not need to provide any supporting documentation, can apply for a learner permit and/or a driving licence online provided they have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account. Those that have a truck or bus category on their driving licence or learner permit cannot renew online, as supporting documentation is required.  

As you can appreciate, Covid 19 has had a profound effect of the delivery of services. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has just resumed and is operating at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with occupational and public health requirements.

The National Driver Licence Service (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. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This has led to an increase in the demand for appointments. The RSA is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the issuing of driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19927/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As you can appreciate, Covid 19 has had a profound effect of the delivery of services. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has just resumed and is operating at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with social distancing, occupational and public health requirements.

The 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. 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 (RSA) is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Currently, it is not possible for first time applicants to apply for a driving licence online , as supporting documentation is required. The RSA is continuing work to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing info@ndls.ie

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the issuing of driver licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Road safety is of paramount important.

It is an offence to drive unaccompanied without a full driving licence.

The current legislation does not provide that a learner with a learner permit and a certificate of compentency may drive unaccompanied.

Covid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of services.  The National Driving Licence Services has resumed but due to social distancing and compliance with occupational and health requirements it is not operating at full capacity. It will take a period of time for services to return to normal. The Road Safety Authority is working with service providers to increase capacity and clear the backlog.