Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is not the reply people are looking for. That is a by-the-book response written by some civil servant. I wish to drill down further. The Minister has said some legislation could be introduced on this. If the Houses are able to bring through Brexit legislation in one week I am damn sure we could bring through some legislation, on which we would be ready to press the button, to make sure there is agreement on this matter between Ireland and the UK.

The Minister referred to some numbers in his reply, but if we consider the number of centres in the State it equates to barely one person in each centre who is looking after this. If a driver has applied will the Minister clarify whether or not he or she will have to re-sit the driving test? Can a driver drive if he or she does not have the new licence? I want these points clarified. Deputies have listened to the people who have been going to these centres.

We have heard that people had to wait three and four hours in a queue but the place then closed. The Minister indicated the opening hours. My understanding is that 11,000 licences have been issued and that 4,000 are being processed. There is a huge number of people looking for licences. Will the Minister bring a little common sense to this scenario and give until the end of April or a similar period to ensure there will be no panic among those looking for licences? The reality on the ground is very different from what some civil servant wrote for the Minister to read in the House. Will he clarify whether he can give a grace period for the month of April to ensure people will be in line? I am hearing that they will not be able to drive to work if they still have an English licence or have yet to get back their licence. I need to have that matter clarified. Can we bring the legislation through the Dáil quickly before that date to ensure there will be no problem? Will one have to sit a test if this is not done by the end of April? Can the Minister extend the period, which is the most important aspect?

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