Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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152. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, following his statement in 2023 announcing that an organisation (details supplied) will be populated with verified driver numbers from mid 2024, he can now confirm that this work has been completed; if it includes all driver numbers; the reason for the delays to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023) was passed last June. The Act contains significant provisions related to the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) which is operated by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). A number of sections of the Act have already been commenced.

In order for IMID to be populated with verified driver numbers by insurers and intermediaries acting on their behalf, two further sections of the legislation need to be commenced.

Firstly, Section 14(c) when commenced will allow insurers and intermediaries acting on their behalf to verify driver numbers against the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) held by my Department for their existing 'back book' of driver numbers, for renewals, quotes and new policies.

Our immediate priority is to put in a place a contract and a data sharing agreement, to allow the verification of insurance companies and intermediaries seeking access to the Department’s NVDF. This will enable Driver Number verification. This work is underway and once the contracts and agreements are signed the Commencement Order can follow immediately.

Secondly, my Department will need to commence the remaining parts of Section 5(l), namely in respect of section 56A(1)(d), (7)(a) and (7)(b), and Section 5(o) in respect of section 78A(2)(f) to provide for the capture of Driver Number and Date of Birth by Insurers.

Implementation is not simply a matter of me as Minister signing the Commencement Orders and my Department implementing the necessary ICT changes. It also requires readiness on the part of MIBI and the insurances companies, who we working closely with. The agreed target date for implementation is 1 December 2024.