Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce driver test waiting times in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22447/20]

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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246. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand the driver test services in County Wexford to address the backlog of persons awaiting tests. [22449/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 246 together.

The driver testing service restarted on a gradual basis during Phase 3 of the Government’s road map for easing of Covid19 restrictions.

On Monday 29 June, driving tests resumed on a gradual basis for trucks, buses and motorcycles (except for trucks in C1 and buses in D1 categories). Driving tests for cars, minibuses and vans resumed from the 16 July.

Due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.

Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, only those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.

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.

Details of specific centres are operational matters for the RSA.

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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245. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce driver theory test waiting times in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22448/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Driver Theory Tests resumed on 8 June, on a gradual basis.

As you can appreciate Covid 19 has had a profound effect on the delivery of services. The Driver Theory Test service has seen its capacity reduced by 50% to comply with occupational and public health requirements. This has an inevitable impact on many people, including truck drivers.

The RSA is currently engaging with the service provider to maximise capacity within existing constraints. They will be opening on additional days including Saturdays, (at some centres) and extended hours will also be provided to allow additional capacity for appointments.

I understand additional appointments are added to frequently and people wishing to take the theory test should contact check the service through .

Matters relating to specific centres are operational matters for the RSA.