A number of driving instructors have begun a campaign to allow essential driver training, EDT, lessons to continue during the extended level 5 restrictions. We know how long that will go on for. They are also trying to set up their own union. Currently only essential workers who have been allocated driving tests are allowed to do the pre-test lessons. Surely if it is safe for one cohort of essential workers to do their lessons, it should be safe for them all, including the compulsory 12 EDT lessons. Another group of non-essential workers is awaiting tests and EDT lessons, and a further group is awaiting theory tests and driver licences. Will the Government consider changing the legislation to allow for EDTs and normal driving lessons to resume for essential workers? There will be an enormous backlog - there already is - at the end of the pandemic and these driving instructors need to be supported.

I thank the Deputy. I am sympathetic to the case he is making. I am not an expert in the area by any means. It is such a shame when we had got on top of the backlog of driving tests that we now have a very big one again. It limits people's freedom and their ability to take up employment. Later I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to let them know that the Deputy has made some suggestions in this regard.