Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is considering any extensions to the amount of time that citizens of other countries are allowed to drive on their existing foreign driving licence; if it is envisaged that further recognised states will be added to the foreign driving licence exchange list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24817/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that a person who is resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU driving licence to drive here. It is possible to drive in Ireland on a foreign licence under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors.

The RSA is currently reviewing Nova Scotia’s driver testing against Irish driving test standards, with a view to making a recommendation on whether to enter a licence exchange agreement. In addition, the RSA has recommended licence exchange agreements with Moldova and North Macedonia and technical discussions are ongoing.

One of the commitments in the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has a Licence Exchange Agreement with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces. The Department of Transport will be exploring how to further meet this Programme for Government commitment.