Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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676. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the renewal of driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6739/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My Department has no role in the processing of driver licence applications.  

There have been some problems with the speed of processing applications in the NDLS since the new system came on stream last October.  I met the acting CEO of the RSA to discuss the difficulties people have experienced, and how the RSA proposed to address them. The RSA acknowledged that there were teething problems when the service opened.  Some were technical and systems issues, while others related to new staff becoming familiar with rules and processes around driving licences and permits. However, the system is improving.  

The RSA has responded by increasing resources in NDLS centres experiencing delays, as well as in the licence processing centre, and providing further training to staff.  There are no major technical difficulties now affecting the service.  A booking system to allow for customers to make appointments has been in a Pilot Phase which was successful.  This system will now be provided on a phased basis in all NDLS offices.  

While I understand that there are still some backlogs in relation to applications, the situation has improved.   I have been informed that licence applications that are fully and correctly completed are being issued in a much improved timeframe and work is continuing to achieve the 8 day turn around target. The RSA has assured me that the remaining backlog will be cleared in the shortest possible timeframe.  The NDLS can also respond to urgent situations where a licence is needed for travel abroad or for work purposes. In relation to the specific requirement for individuals to surrender their driving licence when making their application, I have asked my officials to review the requirement for this and to see if an alternative solution is possible given European Directives in this area.