Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

252. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the recommencement of driving lessons and driver tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

During the level 5 period, driving tests will be available only to those who are involved in essential services, including essential retail work.  Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) may continue to provide lessons, but only in such circumstances where the learner in question has already been scheduled a test date.

While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, I must emphasise, that these decisions have been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible and minimising social contacts.

Any decision regarding the reopening of the services will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.

Officials both in my Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that services can resume as soon as it is safe to do so. The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.