Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the plan submitted to his Department on reducing the waiting list for driver tests to ten weeks will be published. [36423/20]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is remaining in close contact with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), as they are exploring how to further manage the current backlogs in the driver testing system.

In this regard, the RSA has presented an initial outline plan to the Department outlining its proposals for carrying out its functions under the COVID Framework, including measures recommended to reduce current waiting times. The details of the plan are complex and are currently being examined, in relation to its robustness, deliverability, consistency with the wider Government Framework, and financial and other resource implications, as well as conformity with the legal framework.  As there appear to be significant resources required over and above those which the RSA has available to it under current arrangements, approval will be needed from my Department, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will also need to be consulted on the plan, when finalised by the RSA.

While the Department is eager to see a robust plan in place to address this issue, it is important that it is comprehensive and can address the backlog effectively.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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215. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the waiting lists for theory tests for driver test applicants by test centre and county; and the length of time each centre is waiting to clear the backlog. [36424/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Specific details on the number of persons awaiting a driver theory test by test centre and county are held by the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.