Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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373. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met with officials from the RSA to discuss the backlog in both driver tests and driver theory tests; if consideration has been given to allowing the latter to be held outside a traditional classroom settings such as an online test to account for level 5 restrictions. [33898/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As you are aware, driver theory tests and driver tests were temporarily suspended in March 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 for both services.

My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA who are examining ways of increasing the number of driver tests within the current health constraints. I am pleased to say, 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. This will help to increase testing capacity. 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.

The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased and scheduling additional overtime tests, including testing on Saturdays to increase capacity.

The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with the driver theory test service provider to maximise capacity to offer tests while adhering to occupational and public health requirements. In this regard, they 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 require that driver theory tests are suspended.

I understand planning is underway to examine whether theory tests can be taken on line remotely. However, this planning is at a very early stage and is unlikely to come on stream in the near future.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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374. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure the backlog for driver tests is cleared (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33899/20]

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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375. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process in place to prioritise driver tests for frontline workers that urgently need to obtain a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33900/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.

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 has been considerably reduced and this means that customers will experience longer waiting times for a test than was the case before the service was suspended. The need to return to Level 5 restrictions from 22 October to 1 December 2020 for reasons of public health will inevitably impact further on delays to driver testing. During the Level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.

While the service is limited during Level 5 restrictions, the Road Safety Authority is examining ways of increasing the number of tests within health constraints with an eye to resuming wider testing after Level 5, and is working in close consultation with my Department on this matter. This includes increasing the number of testing staff to help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.

The Department has approved the retention by the RSA of 18 temporary driver testers whose contracts were due to expire in October and November, and the RSA has also rehired a further 19 temporary testers whose contracts expired in May. This will help to increase testing capacity. In the longer term the Department is considering proposals by the RSA for further measures to address the backlog.

The Road Safety Authority has advised it is prioritising driver testing for essential workers and has set up a dedicated email, urgentdrivingtest@rsa.ie, where applicants can request to be given priority and supply supporting documentation. These requests are prioritised during the scheduling process with cancellation slots being offered where possible.

While I regret the inconvenience caused, public safety is of paramount importance. My officials and I are working hard to ensure the resumption of services as soon as Level 5 is lifted.