Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount allocated to date in 2005, with a breakdown for each year, for the introduction of a plastic card driving licence; the amount expended to date in 2005; the original estimate for the project; when he expects it to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36223/05]

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. A number of developments took place following receipt of tenders and the proposals were reviewed in the light of these developments. These developments 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 underway in my Department. There has been no specific expenditure to date on the project itself. Estimates and target completion dates will be agreed based on the results of the tendering process. I expect significant progress to be made in 2006.