Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to address the long wait times for driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31504/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I fully appreciate the difficulty that many learner drivers are experiencing since the driving test for cars, vans and minibuses resumed on a gradual basis from 16 July last. As you are aware, tests were temporarily suspended due to the Covid 19 emergency and since resuming operations, there has been an increased level of demand. Unfortunately, due to social distancing requirements, normal capacity is considerably reduced and this means that some customers will experience longer waiting times for a test than was the case before the service was suspended.

Those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Initially, those who are essential workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot.

The Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. My Department has already given approval to the RSA to retain 18 driver testers on temporary contracts due to expire in October and November, and to rehire up to 19 testers whose contracts expired in May. The authority is also examining the recruitment and training of new driver testers. However, I would like to stress that many of the issues impacting on the delivery of service are concerned with the throughput of centres themselves in light of the restrictions, rather than on the availability of staff.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure that the system returns to normal as soon as possible to allow learner drivers complete their training and, hopefully, pass their test.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31554/20]

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31555/20]

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when will a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31556/20]

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will be called for a driver test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31557/20]

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) can be called for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31568/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 181, inclusive, together.

The scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.

My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, 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.

It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date. While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are frontline 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.