asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the reasons for the necessity of renewing car licences on a yearly basis; if he is aware of the continental system whereby driving licences can be purchased for a lifelong period, and if he has any proposals to initiate such a scheme in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Licences.
9.
I presume that the question relates to licences for driving cars. The present system, whereby the holder of a driving licence on its expiration may apply for a further licence valid for a one-year or three-year period, has been in operation since 1964, prior to which yearly licences only were available, and this system continues to operate satisfactorily.
I am aware that other countries issue licences valid for longer periods. Member states of the EEC are at present considering proposals for the harmonisation of driving licence procedures and I have no proposals, in these circumstances, for altering the system operating at present in this country.
Why not?
In view of the discussions going on, does the Minister consider it likely that the harmonisation to which he has referred will involve the issue of licences in this country for longer periods than the maximum three years at present? When will the discussions be terminated?
I cannot say when they will be terminated. It may have been conveyed in the question that these lifetime licences are obtainable in other countries. I do not know of any country where that can be done. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, a £5 licence has been available since January 1976 to persons under the age of 65 years. In all the countries referred to in the question there are certain limitations, far more so than in Britain. There is no such thing as a lifelong licence.
In view of the fact that motorists are cursed by increasing bureaucracy anyway, why has the Minister not got a note or an idea in his head as to why the period could not be extended to ten years? Does the Minister, as Deputy Barrett, have any personal view on the matter?
At the moment there is not a proposal or a suggestion by anybody that it should be done otherwise than in the manner suggested in Deputy O'Leary's question.
Are we participating in the EEC discussion?
Yes.
What is our attitude in regard to harmonisation, or are we just sitting there listening?
There has not been much discussion on this since I became Minister. This is not uncommon in the case of Ministerial meetings—there are many other things to be discussed.
Let us be serious. Are we involved in negotiating discussions and do we have a view?
We will be taking over the Presidency of the Council in the next half-year and during my time as President I will try to have the question of harmonisation discussed. It may become easier to implement.