Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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70. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if exceptions can be made for an essential worker who needs a motorbike for travel to and from work to complete motorbike initial basic training, IBT, given that due to the lockdown the RSA has stated IBT cannot go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7862/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The provision of driving instruction has been defined in legislation introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Health, as an essential service that may continue under level 5 restrictions, albeit in extremely limited circumstances.

Both Essential Driver Training (EDT) for cars and Initial Basic Training (IBT) for motorcycles are currently suspended. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons to both driving and motorcycle learners, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already completed their required modules and has been scheduled a test date.

While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses to learners who have not yet completed their training, I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that the limiting of the spread of the virus and the safeguarding of public health must take first priority here.