Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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155. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of the unusual circumstances of a person (details supplied), a driver theory and practical test could be expedited from the date given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38866/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has entered into a licence exchange agreement with the UK so that a UK/NI driving licence can be exchanged for an Irish licence and vice versa. There is an exception to this exchange agreement. A UK/NI licence category will not be exchanged in Ireland where the licence category originated from a third country whose licences are not accepted for exchange in Ireland.

For example, if a UK licence was issued in exchange for a Kenyan licence, Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with Kenya and so the UK licence cannot be exchanged here.

The Driver Theory Test Service has now re-opened on a gradual basis with a maximum monthly capacity of 25,000 tests initially.

This means that while there are currently over 25,000 customers with an appointment for a Theory Test in July, some appointments will be rescheduled to a later date. Customers who cannot be accommodated in July because of volume restrictions will have to be rescheduled.

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 to 50,000 tests per month over time, if public health guidance permits.

As Minister, I cannot address individual cases but, given the circumstances, I am referring this to the RSA for direct reply.