Written answers

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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236. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend expiry dates for initial basic training certificates of satisfactory completion for motorcyclists during Covid-19 level 5 restrictions similar to the extensions provided in respect of NCT and driver licences as a result of the pandemic restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12861/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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During the first lockdown from March of last year, my predecessor extended the validity period of Initial Basic Training (IBT) certificates, and I can confirm that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has recently submitted a proposal to my Department for a further extension. This is currently being considered within my Department. No decision has yet been made.

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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237. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if motorcycle driving lessons for persons not currently on a waiting list for a motorcycle driver test can take place under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12862/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde 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.

Photo of Catherine ConnollyCatherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if truck driving lessons for persons not currently on a waiting list for a truck driver test can take place under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12863/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde 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.

Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons to learners across all vehicle categories, 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.

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