Below are replies by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to further Parliamentary Questions I tabled in Dáil Éireann regarding the resumption of driver theory tests, driving lessons, driving tests and NCT Centres.
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For Written Answer on : 23/06/2020
Question Number(s): 726 Question Reference(s): 12497/20
Department: Transport, Tourism and Sport
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 952 of 3 June 2020, the progress to date in having a resumption of driver lessons and driver tests; if the necessary preparations and systems are in place to enable the commencement of such necessary services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
It is envisaged that, in line with Phase 3 of the Government Roadmap, driver testing will resume on a phased basis from 29 June. I can confirm that the Department and the RSA have agreed protocols for the resumption, initially, for trucks, buses and motorcycles , with testing for cars, vans and minibus by Phase 4. Final dates for service resumption are dependent on continued positive progression of the country against the overall Government roadmap.
The RSA is advising authorised driving instructors, of their plans for resuming services and including the protocols to be observed in testing, with a view to them reopening their businesses on or after 29 June, in accordance with the Government’s acceleration of Phase 3 of the National Return to Work Safely Protocol as developed by NPHET in consultation with national experts.
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For Written Answer on : 23/06/2020
Question Number(s): 733 Question Reference(s): 12540/20
Department: Transport, Tourism and Sport
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport when it is planned to resume driver theory tests in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the measures in place to date to facilitate the resumption of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The RSA has been working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
Driver Theory Tests resumed on 8 June, on a gradual basis.
While this is an operational matter for the RSA, I understand that Cavan and Monaghan theory test centres are both open and operational and available for testing on selected dates in July. Driver Theory Test Centres generally are not open all the time but rather they open to meet demand against available resources. When a customer goes to book a slot online, they are presented with a range of available dates. The Driver Theory Test provider is closely monitoring the supply and demand situation at present.
All of the resumed services are now subject to appropriate public health protocols. Services must be booked in advance, and people should follow the required protocols for the sake of their own health and that of others. Further information is available at www.rsa.ie
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
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For Written Answer on : 23/06/2020
Question Number(s): 734 Question Reference(s): 12541/20
Department: Transport, Tourism and Sport
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport when NCT centres will reopen in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
As the Deputy will be aware, on Monday 8 June 2020, in line with the commencement of Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for easing Covid 19 restrictions, the National Car Test (NCT) resumed on a phased basis.
Initially, only centres in urban areas have been opened and testing is by appointment only. This is in an effort to minimize unnecessary travel and limit the spread of Covid-19.
Regarding the reopening of those NCT Test Centres that have yet to resume services, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of NCT regime, and, accordingly I have forwarded the Deputy’s question to the RSA for direct reply as it relates to an operational matter.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.