Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the process of establishing a new system of photo capture for driving licences which has been awarded solely to the National Driver Licence Service; if there was a competitive tendering process for his new system; his views regarding the impact of the ending of photo ID services in local business including local pharmacies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9631/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Following a Government decision, the driver licensing service has been centralised under the Road Safety Authority (RSA). With effect from 12th January 2013, the RSA is now the sole driver licensing authority for the State. The RSA has decided to operate this function under the title National Driver Licence Service.

The service will be provided through three service contracts and by the establishment of a specialist unit within the RSA. The three contracts will provide for a card production facility, 'back-office' processing services and 'front-office' customer interface. The RSA has awarded these contracts following competitive tendering processes.  

I understand that the issue of photo identification formed part of the specifications for the 'front-office' tender. I have asked the RSA to provide specific details on this aspect directly to the Deputy.