Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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110. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated for an earlier appointment to renew a driver licence for work purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30455/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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All appointments for driving licence renewals must be made through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). My Department has no access to the scheduling procedure.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 076 1087880 or by emailing .

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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111. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a driver needs to have a public services card to renew an expired full driver licence; if he can recommend the way in which a person who does not have a public services card can get an appointment with the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS, and have a renewal application finalised; if the case of a person (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30456/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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A person does not need a Public Service Card to apply for a driving licence. A person can apply in person at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre and present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement for verification. The Public Services Card (PSC) satisfies this requirement as this information has already been provided and verified by another Government department, and so can be used instead.

All applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS, which resumed services in June, following the closure of the centres due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. All appointments must be booked in advance as it is not possible to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.

The RSA is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol and protecting public health. Work is also continuing to expand the online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit application types in a manner that does not undermine the existing legal framework. A verified MyGovID account, for which a PSC is required, is needed to access the online system to ensure sufficient identity authentication.