Written answers

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Driver Test

Photo of Seán CanneySeán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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212. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at least 40 trained driving instructors working in driving test centres are at risk of being let go as their contracts may not be renewed as they do not have permanent employment and this will put pressure on the entire testing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52944/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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In order to deal with the backlog in driving tests created by Covid, the RSA received approval in 2020 to rehire 36 temporary testers. In addition, the RSA received sanction to hire 40 additional testers on a temporary basis to assist with the backlogs. These new testers have completed their training and are now conducting live tests since July 2021. Sanction has also been granted to recruit a further 40 testers.

Procedures require approval for hiring of staff from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and we have responded to the needs of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) by giving the approvals mentioned.

However, the RSA is the employer of driver testers, not the Department. Specific contractual terms are a matter for the RSA.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52955/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde 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 Driving Test. Individual appointments are an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.

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.

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current planning status of the proposed permanent RSA driving test centre for Drogheda, County Louth given the exceptionally high number of persons awaiting tests in the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52956/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde 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 Driving Test.

This is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process. 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.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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215. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a driver test for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52957/21]

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde 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 Driving Test. Individual appointments are an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.

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.

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