Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

691. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding photos for the new driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2730/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government decided in May 2011 to centralise the driver licence service, following an examination of the options which found that a centralised system would offer enhanced security and consistency, and be more efficient and cost-effective.    The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 provided for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to become the central driver licensing authority in Ireland, and this provision came into effect on 12 January 2013.    

From that date, the RSA has assumed all responsibility for the operation and management of the driver licence service, including the photographic requirements on applications. The new system involves three outsourced elements, a card production facility, a front office for engaging with the customer, and a back office to process applications.  All three are overseen by a ‘centre of excellence’ based in the RSA itself.  For the first few months of 2013, the driver licence service will continue to be available to the public through local authorities.  

The fees for driver licences increased with effect from 1 January 2013. This represents the first increase in these fees since 1989 and remains low by international standards.  The increased fee will ensure that the service into the future will be less dependent on Exchequer funding. 

I understand from the RSA, that, when the new system comes into operation later this year, the photograph will be digital and will not be stuck on to the card in the way it is to the old paper licence.  The capture of the photograph will be included in the fee for the licence.  As the system develops, the SAFE2 ID standard will be implemented, at which point the only option will be the digital photo taken at the Front Office Network.

It should be noted that members of the public will now only have to make one journey to get their photograph taken and license application processed. Furthermore, the €55 fee for a ten year licence includes the cost of the photograph as well as the licence.