Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the tender process leading to the award of the contract for the provision of the new format driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4822/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the Road Traffic (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012, responsibility for driver licensing nationally has been transferred to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).  The new national driver licensing system consists of three outsourced elements: a front office for dealing with customers, a back office to process applications, and a card producer to manufacture the new plastic format licences.  All of these are overseen by a 'centre of excellence' in the RSA itself. The tender process for the outsourced elements was entirely a matter for the RSA, and I had no role in it.  I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's query to the RSA for direct answer, and would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within ten days.