Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the theory test for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37625/21]

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

Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case 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.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the proposal submitted to his Department by the RSA seeking a further extension of initial basic training certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37628/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The validity period of Initial Basic Training (IBT) certificates is set out in legislation. Making a change to the validity of an existing certificate requires a change in law.

I can confirm that Regulations for a further extension to IBT certificates are currently being prepared within my Department. An update is expected shortly.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting so long for a driver theory test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37653/21]

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

Individual cases are a matter for the Authority and the question in relation to this case 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.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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241. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons waiting to take the driver theory test on 2 June 2021, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37700/21]

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. 

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific actions he has taken to address the deficiencies in the provision of the driver theory test; if his Department has met the company involved in delivering the test to discuss the problems; the sanctions his Department plans to take for the poor delivery of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37701/21]

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

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.