Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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527. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has engaged with his Cabinet colleagues and UK counterparts to ensure that returning emigrants that hold UK licences will continue to be able to swap their licences for an Irish driver licence even in the event of a no-deal Brexit. [39779/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Motorists resident in Ireland with a UK, including NI driving licence are being advised to exchange that licence for an Irish driving licence before the 31 October 2019.  In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the UK will no longer be a Member State and so the UK driving licence will not be recognised. People resident in Ireland will no longer be able to drive on a UK driving licence.

However, legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in the Road Traffic Acts.  If there is a no deal Brexit, the UK becomes a 3rd country and the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under those Acts.  Ireland will be pursuing this option.  This may take a little time to complete as it involves a formal agreement and legislation here in Ireland, as well as corresponding steps by the UK.