Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an extension for driver licences that have expired since 1 September 2020 will be considered in view of the appointment backlog. [30762/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There is no plan to further extend the validity of driving licences. Irish driving licence law is based on a framework of EU law, and the current extensions brings us into line with the EU legislation.

All driving licences that expired between 1 March and 31 August 2020 were extended for 7 months. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority, closed in March as per Government instruction and re-opened in June. The extension was granted to extend the validity of driving licences that would have expired at a time when it was not possible to renew such licences, and to assist the NDLS resumption while adhering to the return to work protocols. It is expected that the extension will ease the pressure on the NDLS and free up appointment slots.

Protecting public health is a priority for the Government and the RSA is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while ensuring public safety. In addition, work is 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.