Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

60. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35742/20]

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

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS). All applications for learner permits and driving licences must be made through the NDLS. The Department of Transport cannot schedule such appointments.

The NDLS resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.

Under Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions effective from midnight on Wednesday 21 October, for six weeks, applicants can attend an appointment at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets is available on www.gov.ie.

The RSA is working to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. The NDLS hopes to allow all application types to apply online by mid-November. This will help ease the pressure on the NDLS centres, free up appointment slots and make it easier to find those slots at local centres.