Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The driving theory test 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.

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

My Department is in constant contact with the RSA since the start of the pandemic regarding all of its services, the impact of Covid-19 on those services, and how they can best be maintained in the current circumstances.

In line with the further easing of restrictions, the gradual re-opening of in-person driver theory test centres commenced on the 8th of June. The RSA reopened its network of test centres and will be permitted to conduct 25,000 driver theory tests per month.

Prior to COVID-19, the RSA provided 15,000 tests per month. In light of the significant backlog of customers, capacity will gradually increase to 25,000 tests. From reopening in the week beginning 7 June to the end of the week of 28 June, the service conducted 22,573 tests. A further 4,093 people who had booked a test were no-shows.

The test centres have extensive COVID-19 measures in place to protect both customers and staff and to ensure the safe delivery of the service. It is hoped that capacity will gradually increase further to 50,000 tests monthly, if public health guidance permits.

The Driver Theory Test service provider has sourced an additional 40 temporary team members to support the expected increase in capacity to 50,000 in-centre appointments when permitted to do so.

The RSA has also been working to deliver an online theory test service, with a pilot online test already undertaken for trucks and buses. This pilot service has now been extended to include car and motorbike tests. The theory test service provider has sourced 30 additional employees to manage the online testing facility. The tests are conducted under strict requirements in order to adequately verify the identity of candidates, and to ensure exams are completed in a secure manner, maintaining the integrity of the exam content and to prevent cheating or fraud. It is hoped that the service provider will be able to deliver up to 10,000 theory tests online in the coming months.

Any issues in relation to the delivery of the contract are for the Road Safety Authority as the contracting authority and third parties cannot interpose themselves in such contractual relationships. I am therefore referring those elements of the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.