Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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275. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a charge of €170 imposed by an organisation (details supplied) for an assessment for a person with a disability in order for them to access driving lessons; his views on whether a person with a disability should not be charged such an amount for an assessment to access driving lessons; if he will commit to the State covering this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1826/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWC) is not regulated by my Department and I have no power to regulate the charges they set for provision of services. 

I understand that the IWA provides driving lessons to people with disabilities in specially adapted vehicles.  I also understand that the initial €170 charge referred to by the Deputy covers both an assessment process and an initial lesson, which will enable the IWA to focus on the particular needs of the individual.  The IWA charges €30 per lesson for subsequent lessons.  

I have no role in setting or regulating these fees, and the IWA is an organization independent of the State.  As such I am not in a position to assess whether or not the charge is set at an appropriate level.  There is no funding available to me as Minister to cover such costs.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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276. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the long delays for persons with a disability accessing driving lessons; the way that he intends to address these long delays to ensure that persons with a disability can access driving lessons in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1827/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Driving schools are independent, privately run businesses.  As such my Department has no remit in how these businesses are operated, nor can my Department determine the services offered to customers.

However, to work as a driving instructor in Ireland, an instructor must be listed on the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) Register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI). This register also identifies ADIs across the country delivering driver training to students who require special accommodations, including students who may be deaf or hard of hearing and for those with restricted mobility who may require the use of vehicle adaptations as part of their driver training.

To find contact details for RSA Approved Driving Instructors please go to :

www.rsa.ie/services/learner-drivers/driving-lessons/find-an-instructor/approved-driving-instructor.

Then access the 'Find an instructor' section and key in the ADI number as provided for in the list: 

adis-delivering-tuition-to-learners-with-specific-needs.pdf (rsa.ie).