Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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159. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the current extensions for driving licences and learner permits will be extended by six months in order to alleviate the pressure on and risks to National Driving Licence Service, NDLS, staff and to reduce the need for persons to travel long distances and increase the risks of infection in order to renew same in a context of already long waiting times. [1118/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The possible extension of the validity of driving licences is being kept under review. However, Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions bring us into line with special emergency provisions adopted by the Union in light of the pandemic.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), has expanded the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system.  This is the fastest and safest way for people to renew their driving licences.

In addition, drivers over 70, who have attended an NDLS office in the last five years, are being invited to apply to renew their licences by post.  They do not need to take action, a renewal package will be posted out to them. 

For workers who have to  attend the NDLS offices, they can be assured that protocols have been put in place to ensure that both staff and licence applicants are as safe as possible.  This includes the requirement that all applicants book online in advance, and other measures implemented to create additional capacity without increasing the number of people on the premises at any one time, through a combination of additional staff, extended and additional operating hours (i.e. Sundays where needed), and the provision of overtime.