Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

248. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to extend the list of recognised states in the exchange of a foreign driving licence to include the United States; when he anticipates the change will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37121/25]

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

249. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to extend the list of recognised states in the exchange of a foreign driving licence to include more countries; the countries with which Ireland currently has reciprocal licensing agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37122/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law - the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The standards for testing drivers are set at EU level and EU driving licences are recognised and exchangeable when a person moves from one Member State to another.

Ireland may make bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with non-EU jurisdictions. This is not a straightforward matter. Reaching them is not a matter of political will and the core principle is to ensure the continued safety of Irish road users. Agreements may be made only when the authorities in each jurisdiction have compared the licensing regimes and are satisfied that they are compatible. For Ireland, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority.

The Programme for Government 2025 has a commitment to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with seven of the ten Canadian provinces.

Ireland does not have an agreement with the USA. My Department is considering how this Programme for Government commitment might be addressed.