Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Question 678: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his policy on plastic card driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14105/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under EU law, Ireland is required to introduce a plastic card format of driving licence by 19 January 2013. My Department decided that the transition to a plastic card licence provided an opportunity to review the way in which driving licences are issued. Consultants were engaged to examine the options, and recommended a transition from the present system, under which licences are issued by the Motor Taxation Offices of the Local Authorities, to a centralised system. I am satisfied that this will deliver greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Last May, the Government decided to proceed with the centralisation of the driver licensing system, with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as the body to be responsible for the new system. At the same time we asked the RSA to expedite the transition to the new plastic card. This work involves three aspects: card production, front office (engagement with the customer) and back office (for processing applications). All three functions will be operated under contract, and the RSA has begun the tendering process.

A Steering Group has been established to assist the RSA, comprising representatives of my Department, the RSA, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and the City and County Managers Association. Other stakeholders are being consulted as required.

The plastic card licence is on course for introduction in January 2013, and the new centralised licensing system will come on stream during next year. Once the plastic card licence is introduced, all new licences will be in this format. However, existing paper licences will remain valid until their date of expiry.