Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the National Driver Licence Service. In Carrick-on-Shannon, I have been contacted by people who are trying to renew their driving licences but who cannot get into the office; the place is closed. They have to ring. A woman I spoke to yesterday said she was three quarters of an hour on the phone waiting to get an answer. She cannot get through to anyone.

They have to do that or book online. When they book online, they have to use their public services card. Some people do not have a public services card. We were led to believe that it was not compulsory to have one and that it was only to be used for the Department of Social Protection. This is a serious issue. I know of people who are commercial drivers and who cannot get their licence renewed. If they have an accident, there will be severe repercussions. Action needs to be taken to ensure that these services, not just in County Leitrim but across the whole country, are open and functioning to their full capacity. There is a long backlog of people who are trying to get their licences renewed. As we know, Covid has thankfully moved off the stage. We are now in a situation where we cannot use that excuse anymore. Adequate provision must be put in place so that people can renew their licences.

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