Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting to sit a car theory test by theory test centre; the number currently waiting to sit a practical driver test by driving test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27294/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under the legislation as provided by the Oireachtas, the driver testing service, including the theory test, is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. The information requested is held by the Authority, this question is being referred to it for direct reply.

I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which car theory test centres will reopen given the impact this closure is having on persons that are trying to obtain a learner permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27295/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Driver Theory Test is considered a non-essential service and remains closed for now. The Department understands the frustration at this decision, however, these restrictions imposed by the Government based on the advice of NPHET and their panel of scientific experts, are in place to minimize the impact of Covid-19 on this country and its people.

Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which practical driver tests will resume for non-essential workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27296/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Driving tests for essential workers continue to be the priority for the driver testing service.

However, in line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest will recommence in a limited fashion from next week.

The situation will be kept under review.