Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Transport the additional measures which need to be put in place to allow for the introduction of mutual driving disqualification between Ireland and the UK; if this measure will be introduced in April 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35799/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 6, 10 and 103 on Thursday, 28th September, 2006.

The framework for the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications is contained in the European Union Convention on Driving Disqualifications (98/C 216/01). The Convention relates to disqualifications arising from a range of specified traffic offences including drink-driving, speeding and dangerous driving. Irish legislation to support the application of the Convention is already in place and is contained in the Road Traffic Act, 2002.

In advance of the Convention fully coming into force and following a Ministerial meeting of the Transport Sectoral Group of the British-Irish Council on 9 February 2006, I have formally agreed with the UK Minister of State for Transport to enter into bilateral arrangements on the mutual recognition of driving disqualifications as envisaged in the EU Convention.

The UK Minister for State for Transport wrote to me recently advising me that the UK and NI authorities are working to have the necessary legislative and consultative processes complete to enable mutual recognition to be in place by April 2007. Officials continue to work to ensure that the necessary administrative arrangements are in place to enable relevant administrations to recognise and take action on driving disqualifications occurring in the other jurisdiction.