Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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1490. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Irish citizens residing abroad must acquire the new public services card to renew a driving licence; if so, the location in which they can apply for a public services card while residing in another country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37868/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Under EU law, Member States may issue driving licences only to people whose normal residence is within their jurisdiction.  When someone takes up residence abroad we therefore cannot issue or renew a driving licence for them.

The EU definition of 'normal residence' allows that a person may remaining normally resident in a country while temporarily living outside that country for a fixed period of work or study.  In these case, Irish law currently allows people to apply by post rather than appearing in person at an office of the National Driver Licensing Service.

There is no requirement to produce a Public Services Card (PSC) as part of the driver licensing application process.  However, under the Government's eGovernment strategy, a target of March 2018 has been set for the introduction of an online driving application system.  When this is in place it will be necessary for those using the online system to register for a PSC in order to ensure validation of their identity.  The postal option for people temporarily abroad will continue.