Terry Brennan (Fine Gael)

Ar dtús, ba mhaith liom fáilte ar ais a chur roimh an Aire go dtí an Seanad. The second major provision in the Bill concerns the introduction of a new centralised system for the issuing of driving licences. The current system is cumbersome and multi-layered and involves local authorities in the processing of applications and delivering licences, although the budget is under the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The Minister's Department has responsibility for policy oversight and the driver licence database, while operational oversight at national level and certain elements of policy guidance rests with the Road Safety Authority. The EU licensing directive of 2006 requires all member states to introduce a plastic card driver licence in January 2013. This is an opportunity for modernisation of our current system for reasons of efficiency and security. A cohesive approach to these matters across the European Union is necessary to give the fullest effect to the free movement of goods and people. Under the Bill there will be a new centralised model for dealing with all aspects of the plastic driver licence. The Road Safety Authority already holds responsibility for the driver theory test and for driver testing. It will now deal also with the licence processing and production and will provide the customer with a one-stop shop approach to driver licensing. I welcome this move to modernise and streamline our licensing system. As well as benefiting the drivers of commercial vehicles, the new licensing measures will help ordinary members of the public, in particular those who require their Irish licences in renting cars abroad.

It has been estimated that 208 full-time equivalent staff in motor taxation departments are involved in dealing with driver licences across the country. I understand processing with the centralised model will have implications for staff numbers and the new arrangement will require considerably fewer staff to operate it. On the face of it, therefore, a significant number of staff in local authorities will be available for redeployment within the system when the necessary numbers transfer to the centralised model. I should state I have been approached by the IMPACT trade union which is concerned about the reduction of staff at local authority levels. Staff members of my local authority in County Louth have approached me to ask if there will be any staff reductions.

A person will receive a unique identifier when applying for a theory test which will follow him or her through all aspects of the licensing process. This idea is to be applauded and is welcome. An application for a learner driver permit will be made through a front office network of agents who will carry out some basic checks on the application and supporting documents before forwarding them to the central processing unit. This unit will be set up to process applications and deal with day-to-day customer service queries.

I am a believer. Each one of us has a part to play in reducing the number of fatal and serious accidents on roads throughout the country. We must all examine our consciences and mend our ways. I recall a recent visit to the United States where I noted that stop and yield signs are adhered to strictly. Over seven or eight days I stopped at the same signs even though it was clearly visible there was nobody coming from any side, north, south, east or west. Nevertheless, all vehicles came to a stop. As citizens and drivers, we must mend our ways, drive within the limits and read signs.

I understand the licence fee will meet the operating cost of the service. Perhaps the Minister will say a few words on this point. I commend the Bill to the House and I congratulate the Minister on his achievements to date.