Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the continued recognition of UK driver licences in Ireland post Brexit is included in current Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40365/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Section 23A of the Road Traffic Act 1961 allows for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in Ireland. When the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, the UK becomes a 3rd country and the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under section 23A, similar to those made with countries like Australia and Canada.

Ireland will pursue this option and my officials are working on this at present in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority (RSA). This may take a little time to complete as it involves a formal bilateral agreement and the introduction of legislation, both here and in the UK.

While the exchange agreement is not part of the Brexit negotiations, it cannot be put in place until after the UK leaves the European Union.