Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) can book a date for their driver test in view of the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30922/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Driving Test.

The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.

This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to include persons with a registered disability as an essential worker for the practical driver test to help ensure that they can be included in the workforce and not isolated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31004/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Road Safety Authority is prioritising driving tests for essential workers, in accordance with Government definitions. The definition of an essential worker is notdetermined by my Department of Transport nor the Road Safety Authority. Details on what is included in the list of essential workers and retail outlets can be found at www.gov.ie.

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 have recommenced in a limited fashion. The further opening of the driver testing service will be the subject of discussions between Department officials and the RSA in the coming weeks.