Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driver instructors are still being refused access to shelter and toilet facilities in testing centres despite the phased relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions; when this policy will be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a decision was reached by Government earlier this month to allow for the resumption of Initial Basic Training (IBT) and the partial resumption of Essential Driver Training (EDT) from the 10th of May.

While these developments are welcome, I must remind the Deputy that we are very much still in a public health emergency and have a responsibility to ensure that the risk of transmitting the virus is kept to an absolute minimum.

Both my Department and the Road Safety Authority recognise that the withdrawal of access to test centre facilities may be inconvenient for partners, family members and indeed driving instructors who accompany learner drivers to their tests. The fact remains, however, that the more people who enter a building, the greater the risk of Covid spreading. The safety of staff and the public in general must remain the Road Safety Authority's number one priority at this time.

I would also like to make it absolutely clear that there is no requirement in law for driving instructors to attend test centres with learners sitting driving tests, or indeed to remain at the centre for the duration of the test.