Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On a related point, as the Minister may be able to answer both of us at the one time, I reinforce what my colleague Deputy Brendan Smith is saying about UK driving licences being acceptable in Ireland. I understand the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is advising holders of a UK driving licence to swap it for an Irish one while the United Kingdom is still a member of the European Union and before it becomes a third country because it can be done seamlessly and there will be no issues. In that regard, if somebody swaps his or her driving licence now, the date of issue will have an impact on his or her annual insurance premium. I wonder if the Minister or his officials has or have had any engagement with the insurance bodies to ensure such drivers will not lose all of their years of driving experience that they have built up when they transfer their UK driving licence for an Irish one. I understand - the Minister may correct me if I am wrong - the UK Government is providing reassurance for Irish driving licence holders that they will continue to be able to travel and drive in the United Kingdom on their Irish driving licence. There is an anomaly in what we are saying on this side of the Irish Sea compared to what is being said on the far side. Perhaps the Minister might clarify the matter.

Motorists travelling across the Border or to elsewhere in the United Kingdom will need to have a green card. The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland is advocating that there be a turnaround time of approximately four weeks and advising that those who make frequent crossings - no one is hoping for a no-deal scenario or a hard Brexit - will need to factor in a four-week turnaround time in obtaining a green card or they will not be covered by their insurance. I also understand that, in the event that there is a hard Brexit at the end of the month, if somebody who does not hold a green card is stopped in Northern Ireland, his or her car will be impounded automatically. It is a serious consequence for somebody who will not be carrying a green card. I want to know what the Minister and his officials have been doing to inform motorists of the need to hold a green card. I also want to know why Article 8.2 of the EU motor insurance directive was not invoked. My understanding is that if it was invoked, it would allow the Commission to enable the United Kingdom to remain in the green card free circulation area post Brexit. Has the Minister held discussions with the Commission on invoking Article 8.2 of the 2009 motor insurance directive?

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