Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Driving tests for essential workers are clearly the priority across all services. Driving tests for those not classed as essential recommenced in a limited fashion from May. In line with the reopening of services on a phased basis, capacity to provide driving tests for all those eligible to take a test will be increased, beginning with those who have been waiting longest. 

An additional 37 new driver testers began live testing in June/July on a temporary basis and an extra 10 temporary test centres have been opened. These are needed because space in some existing centres cannot accommodate many of the additional driver testers and comply with social distancing requirements.

Sanction has recently been received for the recruitment of and additional 40 temporary driver testers who will commence testing in due course. 

The driver testing operations of the Road Safety Authority have begun to fully reopen, on a gradual basis, as additional capacity comes on stream.

  Driving lessons are not a State service.  They are provided by Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), who are self-employed or employed by driving schools. It is up to ADIs to consider the extent to which they can provide lessons in safety to a wider cohort of people, and I understand that the RSA will be discussing with them how their services might be extended. 

The Government will continue to be guided by public health advice on the safe provision of services and, in conjunction with the RSA, continues to keep the situation under review to ensure that every possible measure is being put in place so that the maximum number of customers can be served while adhering to public health requirements.