Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The real answer is we do not yet know how we will accommodate the people in question. As the Minister noted, 34,000 people have exchanged their licences while 36,000 remain to do so. Will the Department put in place additional resources at the driver licence centres to manage the additional demand when it arises? A nurse told me she planned to return in December to take up a new position, having completed her studies and a short working career in the UK. She is unsure what she will be in a position to do but all the Minister is in a position to say is the Government will consider those technical issues after the UK leaves. That is not sufficient for people such as that nurse. She might find herself in the ridiculous position where, having had a competent driving career heretofore, she has to engage in mandatory training on her return, obtain a learner permit and be accompanied while driving. There is a severe absence of common sense to that.

It is clear the introduction of a transitional period may be needed. Common sense demands that should there be a no-deal Brexit, transitional arrangements will have to be in place after 31 October to facilitate people for a period.

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