Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a separate jurisdiction.

It is up to it what it does with it. We have made no bones about our opinions on the green cards. We do not like it. We do not welcome what is happening in that regard, but it is a matter for the MIBI, and in commercial terms it is probably prudent. In political terms it is something which we deplore, but it is not something we can influence outside this jurisdiction.

Because the question has been repeated, I wish to say categorically once again that my officials and I will take every opportunity to press the European Commission so that the life of the green cards is ended as soon as possible. That is our ambition. That is what we wish to do. The suggestion that there is some sort of lack of will or energy on our part on the issue is an accusation made out of total and utter ignorance. It is unnecessary and unhelpful. The European Commission is well aware of our views on it. I am certain that these representations have been made frequently and will continue to be made until the green card is removed or some other solution is enacted. That is what is going to happen. We are united on this issue and it is a pity that there should be any division introduced. We are united in that we wish to see the green cards removed. We see them as politically difficult to accept altogether, but to suggest that somehow because they remain there, there is a lack of action, will or energy is not true. It is not going to happen. That process will continue.

There is ongoing engagement by my officials with the Commission on Article 8, including recently when a very high-level delegation came to Dublin. Intensive talks have been going on between my officials and the European Commission on this issue and other issues on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. This is not something which is being neglected. It is being pursued with as much vigour as is possible. It is fair to say that an enormous amount has been achieved, which we see in the Bill in terms of buses and in other areas to ensure the smooth running of transport between Northern Ireland and southern Ireland, even in a no-deal scenario. That is what this is all about. Not everything is resolved, but we are going to ensure that the trains and buses will run as normally as possible on 29 March, even if we have a no-deal scenario, which we hope we do not have.

The Road Safety Authority, RSA, is giving priority to the exchange process for UK licences. In response to Deputy Troy, it wants to give as long as practicable for people to get their licences. Deputy Troy asked twice whether we had talked to the insurance companies to ameliorate the effect on premiums in certain situations. He will find that it is a matter for the insurance companies. No-claims bonuses are based on driving experience and are not linked to the licence issue date. I am not an expert in this field, but I think he will find that is the major factor which affects insurance premiums and their price.

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