Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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71. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when driving lessons and tests for non-essential workers will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33745/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Driving tests for essential workers will continue to be the priority for the driver testing service. 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 to the limit of 2,000 per month. This relatively small number is a prudent step as we see what the health impact may be.

The gradual reopening of the driving instruction industry commenced from the 10th of May. Essential Driver Training (EDT) resumed but only in such circumstances where the learner in question is a confirmed essential worker.  

The further opening of the driver testing and instruction industry will be the subject of discussions between Department officials and the RSA in the coming weeks. 

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.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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72. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons who have sat the driver theory test since it reopened by those who took the online test and those who took the test in a test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33746/21]

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 Theory Test. The information requested is held by the RSA.

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.