Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a licence did not issue for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40767/24]

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

The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service. This includes licence application matters. My Department does not have access to individual driving licence applications and may not intervene in the licence application process.

I have referred this matter 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.

Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department’s plans to streamline the process by which an Irish driving licence is issued following receipt of an Irish residence permit at the NDLS in order to reduce the current three-week timeline so that employees from overseas can enter the transport system workforce in a more timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40787/24]

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

The safety of all Irish road users is the priority in considering applications to exchange third country driving licences for Irish licences. Vigilance is needed when processing an application, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and that a driving test was passed in the country which issued the licence.

There are various factors involved in the time taken to process exchange applications, including the submission of outstanding documents and information, such as medical or eyesight reports, or the physical driving licence itself for an online application. The most common delay for the NDLS in processing applications is in verification by the foreign driving licence authority of the driving licence. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes confirmation can take a considerable period.

The average processing time for the NDLS to exchange a third country licence is 30 days.