Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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221. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an exchange agreement exists between Ireland and the UK regarding recognition of driver licences; if licences from the UK but that originated in other countries with which Ireland does not have a pre-existing agreement with the original country can be accepted here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28537/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Under EU and Irish driving licence legislation, driving licences issued by Member States are mutually recognised. An EU driving licence is exchangeable for an Irish driving licence, except where the licence issued by the other Member State was itself issued in exchange for a licence from a state that is not a Member State, or a state that Ireland does not have a licence exchange agreement with.

During the transition period of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK licence is still valid to drive in the EU and therefore no driving licence exchange agreement can be entered into nor is one needed.

After the transition period ends on 31st December 2020, the UK (including NI) driving licences will no longer be valid to drive in Ireland. Irish residents who hold a UK or NI licence are encouraged to exchange such licences for an Irish one in advance of this deadline. Legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in the Road Traffic Acts. After the transition period, and as the UK is a third country, the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under those Acts. Ireland will be pursuing this option.

It is expected that the licence exchange arrangements with the UK (including NI) will be in place, if required, as soon as practicable following the transition period.