Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a driver licence will issue to a person (details supplied) requiring evidence of a valid driver licence for car insurance purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40359/20]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department does not have access to individual driving licence applications. All such applications are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, provided by the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply and ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the process to exchange UK driver licences for Irish licences for those that are not public services card holders while appointments are currently suspended for public services card applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40363/20]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centres have remained open under the current Covid19 Level 5 Government restrictions, applicants can only attend an appointment provided they are an essential worker involved in the provision of essential services or essential retail outlets. This restriction was introduced for 6 weeks on 21 October, and it is hoped it will be eased today. Appointments can then be made by all applicants. A Public Service Card is not needed to apply in person at a NDLS centre.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the NDLS, has expanded the current online facility to accommodate all driving licence and learner permit applications to enable accessibility online rather than by calling to an office. A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card, is needed to access the online system.

My Department and the RSA have been encouraging holders of UK driving licences to exchange their licence for an Irish driving licence for the past two years.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a process for online driver licence renewals that does not require a public services card is being considered during Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40364/20]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A verified MyGovID account, which requires a Public Services Card (PSC), is needed to access the online system provided by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).

To apply for, or renew, a driving licence you are required to present photographic ID, evidence of PPSN, evidence of address and evidence of residency entitlement.

When an applicant presents in person at a NDLS centre, a face-to-face verification can be made and the required documentation can be examined. These offices are still open for applications and renewals where someone does not have a PSC and cannot access the online system.

The same information is required when accessing the online system, and the Public Services Card satisfies this requirement as the information has already been provided and verified by another Government department. Without a PSC, it is not possible to access the online system as the necessary face-to-face validation has not been made.