Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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346. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to fund pop-up driver test locations to deal with the backlog of persons awaiting a test. [19076/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to help the service meet the growing demand for tests within the current public health situation. An additional 40 driver testers have been authorised by my Department along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020.

Given Covid restrictions on the throughput of the centres and to accommodate the additional 40 Contract Driver Testers that are coming on stream in June 2021, the RSA is planning to expand its Driving Test Centre Network for an interim period of 2 years. The plan is to try and provide this capacity as close to the existing test centres and could involve 20 extra sites. These plans are being developed at present and may be subject to change prior to June 2021. The new centres will be compliant with the required public health guidelines and protocols.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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347. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons awaiting a driver test appointment in each centre by age in tabular form; and the length of time they are awaiting a test. [19077/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The information requested is 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.