Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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217. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide a further extension to driver licence renewal dates as previously to allow staff to process the large volume of renewals due or overdue in order to ensure drivers are not left without driver licences while waiting; if he is addressing the issue, in view of the fact group 2 or other drivers must present in person to renew their licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23564/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In response to the Covid-19 restrictions introduced by the Government on 27 March 2020, regulations were brought in to extend the period of validity for all driving licences that expired between 1 March and 30 June for four months.

A further extension was granted due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and the disruption it has caused to licensing services delivered by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). Driving licences that expired between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 are now extended for 7 months.

The NDLS has now resumed services however, they 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.

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. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types.