Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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362. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driver theory tests have been suspended under level 5 restrictions when many theory test centres are already well equipped to deal with applicants in a safe manner given the separation of desks and individual cubicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33761/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Driver Theory Test was not deemed to be an essential service under Level 5.

People who get a theory test will then need to go and get a learner permit so they can commence driving as accompanied learners and start lessons. The imperative to do the theory test within a period of 6 weeks at Level 5 is therefore limited, as it would only accelerate people getting a learner permit. It was decided, in a climate where only limited services are being provided in order to reduce the spread of Covid and where continuing services must be both safe and essential, that even if the theory test could be conducted safely it was not essential to the point of being needed during this 6 week period.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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363. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting for a driver theory test by the number of weeks waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33762/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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364. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting times per driver test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33763/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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365. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting on a driver test by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33764/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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366. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver testers that are currently employed; the number employed in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33765/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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367. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of driver instructors currently operating; the number that were operating in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33766/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.