Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the NDLS has discretion to reissue driver licences to a person whose driver licence has lapsed for a time greater than the allowed period; his views on whether a holder of a full licence and competent driver who allowed their licence to lapse should not have to go through the designated number of driver lessons and the associated costs of the licence to re-obtain a full licence to which they were previously a holder of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43692/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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It is set out in legislation that an application for a driving licence must be accompanied by a certificate of competency (issued to a person upon passing a driving test) unless the applicant is or was for any period within the period of 10 years preceding the date of the application, the holder of a driving licence or recognised driving licence issued by the competent authority of a Member State.

Therefore the NDLS does not have any discretion to reissue a driving licence to a person whose licence has lapsed for a time greater than the allowed period.

Given the length of period, namely ten years, during which a lapsed licence may be renewed, it is appropriate that applicants who have not held a licence for such a lengthy period should secure a certificate of competency, having regard to the importance of ensuring the safety of our roads.