Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason those seeking to convert valid foreign licenses to Irish ones must submit their documents at the beginning of the process, rendering them unable to drive on the foreign licence for the many months it takes for the process to finish; the reason a case (details supplied) has been delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29623/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Someone resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. In accordance with the EU Driving Licence Directive, the foreign driving licence must be surrendered to the Road Safety Authority.

The most common reason for delays in the licence exchange process is from verification of the driving licence from the other driving licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.

Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remains the priority in this matter.

I have referred the question on the specific case to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in renewing a provisional driver's licence in the case of a person (details supplied) who appears to have applied eight months ago; if all documentation requested has now been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29630/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Driver licensing is handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority under the relevant legislation. My Department does not have access to and may not intervene in individual applications.

I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.