Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that. I have three quick questions. First, when did the Department of Transport apply to the European Commission for this extension? Second, what is the length of the extension?

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Third, how long does the Minister of State expect it will be before the European Commission will come back with a response regarding that extension period? It is unacceptable that we have elderly people and many others waiting for up to eight weeks to get their driver's licence renewed if it is up after 1 July. It is unacceptable on a number of levels, including mobility and the ability of people in business to function. At the same time, people whose licences were up between March and 30 June get a four-month extension.

Will the Minister of State clarify those points for me again? When did the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport apply for the extension period, and for how long? When does the Minister of State expect the European Commission to respond? When will it come into operation for people? I want the Minister of State to give absolute certainty in this area. There are people, like the person I referred to earlier, whose licence was up on 3 July, who are being told they will not get an appointment with a National Driver Licence Service on the renewal until 25 August. That is nearly eight weeks away. That is completely unacceptable. Will the Minister of State give me a response in those areas?

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