Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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40. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if driver licences will be extended for those drivers due to turn 70 years of age in the coming months that have been requested to attend a NDLS centre for licence renewal due to the fact they have not been in a centre over the past five years. [32242/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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It is not intended to further extend the validity of driving licences at this time. Irish driving licence legislation is based on a framework of EU law, and our current law is in line with that of the EU.

At present, there is a requirement for a person to attend at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre to have their photograph taken if they have not had such a photograph taken within the last five years, regardless of age. This is to ensure that a recent photograph is available. This matter is currently under review to see if an alternative process can be introduced in light of Covid 19.  

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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41. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if special arrangements will be made for those drivers turning 70 years of age in October 2020 who need to renew their licences, such as online renewal, as many of these drivers are not comfortable attending a NDLS centre due to Covid-19. [32243/20]

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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42. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if special arrangements will be made for those drivers turning 70 years of age in October 2020 whose appointment to renew their licence has been delayed due to Covid-19, and their licence will be out of date for a number of weeks before their appointment for renewal at a NDLS centre. [32244/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.

I am pleased to inform you that those 70 years of age and over will be contacted directly by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) and invited to renew their licence or permit by post.

Previously only those aged 70 and over who renew their licence on a yearly basis were invited to renew by post. As a temporary measure, given the situation with Covid19, the RSA, through its licensing service the NDLS, has expanded the postal renewal option, to those over 70 who renew their licence every three years.

The process of contacting drivers 70 years and over will commence this coming week and will initially target renewals due in October 2020. You do not need to contact the NDLS directly about your application. All those 70 years and over who have previously presented at an NDLS centre in the last 5 years, and whose licence or permit is due to expire, will receive a renewal pack in the post and be invited to apply by post.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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43. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the issuing of a replacement driver licence card will be facilitated for a person (details supplied) working on the frontline in the United Kingdom, and who is unable to return home due to the current Covid-19 restrictions and quarantine rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32257/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Irish driving licences can only be issued to people resident in Ireland.  There is therefore no facility to issue driving licences to Irish citizens living abroad.

EU driving licences are mutually recognised by Member States. If a holder of an Irish licence resides in another Member State, it is recommended that they exchange their Irish licence for a licence issued by the State they now reside in.