Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason for the continued delay in the introduction of credit card plastic driving licences; and when he expects same to be ready. [32361/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In June 2003 a notice requesting the submission of tenders to supply a plastic card licence was published in the EU Official Journal. Several developments took place following receipt of tenders and the proposals were reviewed in the light of these developments. The changes included the publication of a draft EU directive on driving licences in October 2003 proposing the issuing of new licences in plastic card format only and allowing the introduction of an optional microchip on the driving licence. There have also been developments concerning anti-fraud protection measures and possible developments in e-Government. Having considered these matters it was decided not to proceed with the tender invitation of 16 June 2003. Preparation of a revised request for tender, to take account of these developments is under way in the Department of Transport.