asked the Minister for the Environment if it is his intention to fully recognise validly held Northern Ireland driving licences presented by people who have transferred residence to the Republic of Ireland, when applying for driving licences here; and if he considers it reasonable that the Revenue Commissioners for many years now have allowed any such person to import permanently his/ her vehicle or vehicles during transfer of residence but that the transfer of driving licences is not allowed.
Written Answers . - Northern Ireland Driving Licences .
185.
: There is as yet no general international agreement or convention in operation to provide for reciprocal recognition of driving licences between participating countries, and therefore such recognition is a matter for mutual agreement between interested countries. Approaches by Ireland to secure such an agreement with the United Kingdom have not so far been successful. Within the EEC, however, the Council of Ministers is at present considering proposals for the mutual recognition of licences by member states.