Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the proposed new driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54997/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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EU Directive 2006/126EC requires all Member States to introduce a plastic card driving licence with effect from 19th January 2013. The introduction of the new form of licence presented an opportunity to examine the system by which the current driver licence service was being operated. Following a detailed study and careful consideration of the issues involved, the Government supported my proposal to centralise the service under the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The benefits of centralisation are significant in themselves, and a centralised system will be more adaptable to any changes to the licence which may be required in the future.  It offers a more efficient and cost-effective way of delivering driver licensing services to the public, with the added advantages of more robust identity management and security capabilities, standardised and streamlined process improvements, and improved customer service through a single point of contact for drivers. The RSA will become the driver licensing authority for the country from 12th January 2013. However, for a period in 2013, while the new system is being developed, local authorities will continue to provide driver licence services and applications for licences will be accepted.