Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the absence of reciprocal driving licensing agreements between Ireland, America and Canada (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33916/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government remains committed to reducing barriers for emigrants who wish to return to Ireland, including the commitment under the Programme for Government to establish reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada.

Ireland currently has 21 reciprocal driving licence agreements including with Australia and seven Canadian provinces.

In the case of the US, exchange agreements have to be agreed at the State level. In conjunction with the Department of Transport, preparatory work is underway ahead of engaging with US states on this matter. Our focus initially will be on those states with a significant Irish population.

The Deputy will also wish to note that Irish driving licences are issued for up to ten years and can be renewed at any time up to ten years after expiring.