Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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165. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driving instructors will be allowed to facilitate EDT driving lessons (details supplied). [22620/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider easing restrictions for driving instructors and their students so that lessons can recommence on a phased, safe basis over the coming weeks, due to the urgent need for lessons and emerging black market considerations; if he has considered introducing guidelines to instructors on the way to prevent Covid-19 transmission during lessons or the introduction of rapid antigen testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22826/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 179 together.

As part of the broader easing of restrictions across Irish society I can confirm that the gradual reopening of the driving instruction industry will commence from the 10th of May.

Initial Basic Training (IBT) for all learner motorcyclists may resume from that date.

Essential Driver Training (EDT) may also resume but only in such circumstances where the learner in question is a confirmed essential worker. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will reopen the online EDT portal on the 10th of May to allow instructors upload completed modules for the learners in question.

The RSA will be contacting driver instructors over the course of the week with further details of these measures.