Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I confirm that the Deputy did not participate in this or the previous discussion on the matter due to a declared interest.
Petition No. 00077/12 from Ms Patricia O'Leary proposes that it should be possible for all foreign driving licence holders to swap their licences for Irish licences. The petitioner is of the view that people coming to Ireland can only transfer their licences for Irish ones if they come from countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road. Other drivers must sit theory and driving tests. The petitioner believes that this is discriminatory. Previously, the committee referred this petition to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for consideration before reporting back to us. He has indicated that there are no plans to change the status quo. Where possible and where standards are compatible with Ireland's, a mutual exchange is already in place. As stated by the Minister, these standards are in place to ensure road safety and all aspects of exchange programmes are subject to detailed studies. Having had a chance to deliberate, it is now open to members to make proposals.