Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to organise a debate on driving licences on two fronts. First, many people have worked on the campaign for a new EU driving licence - myself included - along with various organ donor organisations here. We want a tick box to be included on all driving licences in the EU in order that more families are aware of the intention of their loved ones. A central database would hold such information in order that a hospital and loved ones could find out a person's intentions should he or she pass away.

Second, I also seek a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on driving licences for Irish citizens in Canada. We have pushed for a reciprocal arrangement where we would recognise their full licences and they would recognise ours. Unfortunately, there seems to be a great resistance to it in the Department and the Road Safety Authority. About 5,000 Irish citizens travel to Canada and they must go through its entire process in order to get a licence. I had a meeting with the Canadian ambassador who has pushed hard for the cause. The provinces of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have unilaterally decided to recognise Irish driving licences and Ireland needs to take a step in a similar direction. I ask the Leader to organise a debate in order to ensure that Irish citizens receive a full licence in exchange for their Irish one when they travel to Canada.

During the week an EU Commissioner commented on a federal Europe and stated that a federal Europe was the only solution to the current crisis. A fortnight ago President Barroso also talked about a federal Europe and now a new commissioner has mentioned it. I would like the Leader to organise a debate on a federal Europe because we did not sign up to one.