Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

We could do that, although we would need to pass legislation to invalidate the old paper licences from a certain date, but I do not rule it out. The first thing we should do, however, is get the new system up and running and then we can consider making the old licences invalid. The new licence will be so convenient - it will be a standard form of identity recognised across Europe - that many with paper licences will want the card and go ahead and order it. I would be one of those people. Whether we want to compel people to do it by invalidating their licences before the expiry date requires some thought, but the Deputy may wish to table an amendment to the Bill to achieve this if he thinks it is such a good idea.

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