Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

52. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current Covid-19 guidelines for driving instructors and driving testers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35562/20]

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

Regulations introduced on the 21st October by my colleague, the Minister for Health, define both driver testing and the provision of driving instruction as essential services, albeit in strictly defined circumstances.

Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date. Driver Testing services are continuing only for candidates involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets.

Driver testers are employees of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which has developed protocols for conducting the driving test safely during the pandemic, following detailed consideration and medicaladvice. The RSA has put in place a number of procedures to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19, based on comprehensive hand-sanitising, mask-wearing, and ventilation measures.

Driving instructors operate as independent businesses and are not employed either by my Department or by the RSA. While I understand that the RSA has been in regular contact with ADIs throughout this public health emergency, it is ultimately up to each driving instructor or driving school to protect themselves, their families and communities by adhering to the official Government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.