Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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110. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of theory tests that have been carried out since March 2020; the level of payments made to a company (details supplied) for the operation of the theory test service since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27699/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The driver theory testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

The information requested is held by the Authority and 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.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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111. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of candidates that took a driving test in both test centres in Clonmel, County Tipperary from January to April 2021; the pass rate in both centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27700/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.

The information requested is held by the Authority and 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.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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112. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that theory tests cannot currently operate; the reason that theory tests are still being cancelled; if a company (details supplied) has carried out a risk assessment on all of the test centres which have sufficient social distancing and screening to allow tests to proceed; the efforts being made to immediately reduce the waiting lists for theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27701/21]

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.

From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services, but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.

Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. To deal with the backlog, the RSA have plans to increase capacity when it is allowed to re-open. This additional capacity will see the number of tests increase from an average pre Covid19 output of approximately 15,000 tests per month up to 50,000 per month. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.

The RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. This will be extended to car drivers shortly, initially with up to 3,200 online tests being conducted per month. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if theory test centres are currently open; if the processing of the backlog of theory test application forms on hand has commenced; if so, the estimated time it will take to clear these backlogs; if not, when it is planned to open them and resume full service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27748/21]

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.

Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. To deal with the backlog, the RSA have plans to increase capacity when it is allowed to re-open. This additional capacity will see the number of tests increase from an average pre Covid19 output of approximately 15,000 tests per month up to 50,000 per month. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.

The RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. This will be extended to car drivers shortly, initially with 3,200 online tests being conducted per month. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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114. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional measures will be implemented as a matter of urgency to deal with the major backlog in applicants awaiting theory tests; if he will take into account that the majority of non-essential businesses and services have reopened since 17 May 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27753/21]

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. 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.

Because the service was closed for long periods of time over the last year, a large backlog of customers has built up. To deal with the backlog, the RSA have plans to increase capacity when it is allowed to re-open. This additional capacity will see the number of tests increase from an average pre Covid19 output of 15,000 tests per month up to 50,000 per month. This will help significantly to tackle the backlog.

The RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. A pilot online driver theory test is underway for trucks and buses. This will be extended to car drivers shortly, initially with up to 3,200 online tests being conducted per month. Significant operational, technical and contractual issues have to be addressed prior to further expansion. This takes time to put in place, but I can assure you, the RSA are working extremely hard to expand the online service as quickly as possible. Online services will be made more widely available towards the end of 2021.