The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has said it will ensure there is clear, direct communication with learner drivers who will be impacted by a planned strike next week by driving testers.
Yesterday the trade union Fórsa, which represents the testers, announced a one day strike for next Friday 20 February in a dispute over insurance cover.
The union said that driving testers will also engage in an indefinite industrial action, refusing to conduct a driving test unless a valid certificate of insurance is produced by the candidate presenting for the test.
Fórsa has claimed that testers are not fully covered by the State Claims Agency while carrying out their duties, particularly when conducting tests in uninsured vehicles.
The union said that the lack of a proper insurance verification system, combined with inadequate indemnity protections, has left staff exposed, and under pressure to proceed with tests in circumstances that would be unacceptable in any other area of public service.
The RSA said staff have always been covered by insurance in the performance of their duties.
"The RSA is disappointed with this outcome and remains committed to continuing its engagement, in good faith, through the WRC process in order to secure a resolution," a spokesperson said.
"There have been conflicting narratives on this issue, and it is important to note that driver testers have always had the same level of State Claims Agency cover as other members of the public service in the discharge of their official duties."
"In addition, driver testers are fully supported through established public service medical and occupational supports," the RSA said.
The decision to take strike action followed three meetings at the Workplace Relations Commission where it was not possible for the two sides to reach an agreement.
The RSA said it remains hopeful that a mutually acceptable resolution can be achieved through established industrial relations mechanisms.
"RSA regrets the impact this action will have on learner drivers who have driving tests booked and the inconvenience and disruption that this action will cause," a spokesperson said.
"The RSA will ensure that there is clear direct communication with individuals who are impacted by this action."
"Communications will also be updated on the RSA website when the extent of the intended industrial action is fully known," the RSA added.
