Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

44. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the waiting times for a theory test in County Tipperary will be reduced in view that young drivers are travelling to other counties to do the test against Covid-19 regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32262/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Covid-19 has had on profound effect on the delivery of the Road Safety Authority’s driver theory testing services and a significant backlog developed. 

The Driver Theory Test service has seen its capacity reduced significantly to comply with occupational and public health requirements.The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements. In this regard, there would, for example, be opening on additional days at some centres and extended hours also provided to allow additional capacity for appointments. 

However. as you will understand, the decision to move to level 5, which is essential for public health reasons, is likely to lead to further delays with theory tests, as the Government decision and the public health regulations will now require that driver theory tests be suspended generally.

Additional appointments are added frequently. Candidates should regularly check the service through or by telephone at 1890 606 106 for assistance with finding a date and location near to them.