Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for Transport if any discussions have taken place between the Government and the American Government with regard to an Irish driver's licence being sufficient to drive in America and an American driver's licence being adequate here; if there is any agreement between the two Governments on this issue. [20779/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Irish driving licence regulations are required to operate within the framework of a harmonised EU system. The criteria essential for recognition of licences from other countries are testing and licensing regimes, which meet the requirements of the EU directive on driving licences, and reciprocal recognition of Irish licences. Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement with the United States of America for the exchange of driving licences due to the diverse nature of the driver testing and licensing regimes in the different states in the USA. On taking up Irish residence a person who holds a driving licence issued in the USA must obtain a provisional licence and undergo a driving test to obtain a driving licence. Temporary visitors to Ireland who hold a national driving licence or an international driving permit may drive here for the duration of their visit. The driver licensing requirements in the USA are a matter for the USA licensing authorities.