asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make the necessary arrangements to ensure that a photograph of the individual be attached to each person's driving licence and also that the person's signature be affixed thereon.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Licence Identification.
9.
I intend to introduce next year a new format of driving licence to conform with a Community model form of licence laid down in an EC Directive. While individual member states of the EC have discretion as to the inclusion of a photograph of the holder, I am favourably disposed towards this.
The manner in which the holder's signature is to be affixed to the licence is being considered in the general context of the need to ensure that a new form of licence is as forgery-proof as possible and that fraudulent use of licences is minimised.
Is the Minister satisfied with the existing arrangements in regard to identity when a person attends for a driving test? Will the Minister provide that a person attending for a driving test must have with him his provisional driving licence together with a photograph of himself, because there is a problem of the wrong people attending for driving tests?
Candidates attending for a driving test are obliged to have their provisional licence with them. As I have already indicated, I intend to introduce a new format of licence next year, and I accept the thrust of the Deputy's question that the new licence should have a photograph attached to it. I would hope that if there is a problem such as the Deputy outlined that it will be addressed through the introduction of that new form of licence.
I would just like to thank the Minister for his favourable reply.