Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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597. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed use for the new card-style driver licences; and if these licences will have chip technology containing all relevant information pertinent to that licence holder. [2261/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The plastic card format of driving licence was introduced in January 2013 in accordance with EU requirements.  

The plastic card format offers a number of advantages over the previous paper licence.  It is smaller and therefore easier to carry, it is more durable; and the enhanced security elements makes it is more difficult to forge.

The card also contains a microchip.  At the time when Ireland introduced the card, there was as yet no agreement at EU level as to what information might be stored on the chip. In consequence, the chip was not in use when the card licence was introduced.

The EU has since agreed rules for the storage of data on the cards. In essence, it has been agreed that the licence microchip would contain, as a minimum, the information printed on the face of the card.  However, the possibility exists for each Member State to include additional information. The RSA is examining this matter with a view to determining what additional information could be included on the chip that would assist and enhance in the enforcement of road traffic legislation and the measures necessary to allow this information to be accessed by relevant state bodies.