Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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82. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting for a driver theory test in each month since January 2020; if those persons that have had their driver theory test cancelled due to Covid-19 will be prioritised for appointments once restrictions are eased in order to deal with the backlog of testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34374/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The operation of the driver theory testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the Deputy's query to the Authority for direct reply. If a response has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office directly.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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83. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with assisted driving instructors and their trade union regarding their being deemed essential workers. [34432/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Regulations introduced on the 21st October by my colleague, the Minister for Health, define the provision of driving instruction as an essential service.

Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.

I must emphasise to the Deputy, however, that driving instructors and driving schools operate as private companies and are entirely free to make their own decisions as to whether to continue offering their services at this time. Neither my Department nor the Road Safety Authority can dictate to driving instructors as to how they should run their business nor indeed oblige them to continue offering lessons against their will.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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84. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if compensation is payable to those that the driver theory test is cancelled with less than five days’ notice and if so, the process to access same. [34437/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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This is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority, and one in which I have no role.

I am therefore passing the Deputy's question to the Road Safety Authority for direct reply. If a reply has not been received within 10 working days, the Deputy should contact my office.