Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

On Second Stage yesterday in response to questions from Senator O'Sullivan and others, I understand the Minister referred to the introduction of the plastic driver's licence which he also subsequently mentioned. He hoped that this would be used as a means of identification, which seems perfectly sensible. However, as he will be more aware than most, there is one organisation that insists on introducing its own laws regarding providing identification, particularly for those travelling outside the country. It insists that it must be a passport. I understand that other airlines and businesses may accept a driver's licence. I have no doubt that once the Minister introduces the plastic card licence containing a photograph, it will be used more frequently. Would the Minister consider going further? Is it possible for him to make it a requirement or is it a matter for individual businesses to decide within their constitutional right as to how they should operate their business. I do not want to complicate the matter but if the Minister is going to the trouble of introducing a plastic driving licence, which is a welcome innovation, one would hope it would be used on practically all occasions as valid identification, including by Departments which up to now have not accepted driving licences, which may be within his purview.

As this is my only opportunity to ask about driving licences in this debate, has the Minister also considered anti-fraud measures that might be built into it? As he knows, credit cards are regularly skimmed and reproduced. If it is going to be used increasingly as an identification method, has he considered anti-fraud elements? Will it contain a chip or will there be other ways of identifying it? I do not want him to waste the time of the House in expanding on it, but I am curious as to whether the matter has been discussed in the Department?