Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some persons who had received appointment dates for their driver theory tests during the six-week level 5 restriction period had their tests cancelled and rescheduled 18 weeks after the initial date; his views on the adequacy of this; the steps he will take to rectify this; the timeframe for it to be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35786/20]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority in consultation with the Theory Test service provider, and one in which I have no role.

However, as I understand, following the closure of the Driver Theory Test service under level 5 restrictions, all appointments during this six week period have been rescheduled to the next available appointment date.

As I am sure you are aware, the Theory Test service was temporarily suspended in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 emergency. When the service resumed in June, there was an increased level of demand and a significant backlog developed. This was coupled with the need to significantly reduce normal daily capacity to comply with occupational and public health requirements.

When the Driver Theory Test Service closed on the 21st of October due to the latest restrictions, the majority of testing centres had almost full bookings up to end December and some into January too as it worked its way through the initial backlog. The decision was taken by the service provider that those whose appointments were cancelled due to the latest restrictions would be rescheduled to the next available appointment date.

The Road Safety Authority has advised my office that it is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services are resumed. This will help reduce and, over time, eliminate the backlog.

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.