Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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218. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason for the delay in a licence being exchanged (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33283/25]

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 the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), which includes licence application matters.

My Department does not have access to individual driving licence exchange applications and may not intervene in that process. Accordingly, 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.

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

There are various reasons for time being taken in processing foreign licence exchanges. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical driving licence itself in the case of an online application. The most common reason for delays is the NDLS awaiting verification of the driving licence from the foreign driving licence authority. At times, a response is received very quickly but there can be considerable delays.