Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 748: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the consideration he has given to a reciprocal agreement with the Canadian Government to allow drivers to transfer licences from one country to another without the need for subsequent testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22466/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has reciprocal exchange arrangements in respect of driving licences with a number of other countries. Irish rules on driver licensing operate within the framework of EU law, which means that we have reciprocal exchange relationships with other EU countries and with countries whose licensing regime is compatible with EU standards.

In the case of Canada, each of the Canadian provinces has its own licensing regime, with different standards in each case. This poses difficulties for potential recognition. However, I understand that there have been discussions recently between the Road Safety Authority and the Canadian authorities to explore whether it would be possible to agree some form of exchange relationship. It is my understanding that not all of the Canadian provinces were interested in pursuing the matter at this stage.

I have, of course, no objection in principal to agreeing an exchange relationship of this type with Canada and will give the matter careful consideration if it proves possible to reach an agreement which would involve all of the different Canadian provinces and their respective licensing systems.