Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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226. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the provision/section under law for the offence of failing to surrender a driving licence or learner permit to the Road Safety Authority as required, when disqualified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51070/25]

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 under Regulation 44 of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (SI 537 of 2006), as amended, drivers subject to a consequential, ancillary or special disqualification are required to return their driving licence to the Road Safety Authority (RSA). These are penal provisions.

Failing to surrender a licence following disqualification is also an offence and is a matter for the Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána have access to data on the National Vehicle and Driver File and can detect and prosecute drivers who continue to drive while disqualified, whether or not their licence has been surrendered.

The penalty for non-return of a driving licence is the general penalty under section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 - a fine of up to €1,000 for a first offence, up to €2,000 for a second offence, and up to €2,000 and/or up to 3 months in prison for a third or subsequent offence in a 12 month period.

It is important to note that, while the non-surrender of licences is of concern, the more important issue from a road safety perspective is that the driving disqualification is observed. The individuals in question are fully aware of the Court's decision and the disqualification is in effect regardless of whether their licence is surrendered.