asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person over 18 years and under 20 years with a full E licence is only allowed to drive a minibus in the Republic of Ireland but is allowed in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the EC countries to drive a 65 seater bus with the same licence; that this poses difficulties for tour operators in the Border region; and if he will bring our laws in this regard into line with EC laws.
Written Answers. - Driving Licences.
52.
In Ireland, a person must be 21 years of age or over to obtain a Class E licence, that is a licence to carry more than eight persons for reward. In northern Ireland, a person must be 21 years of age or over to be licensed to carry more than eight passengers. In Great Britain, a person between 18 and 21 may drive a minibus only, that is a vehicle with accommodation for up to 16 passengers. In the rest of the European Community, only the Netherlands permits the driving of vehicles with accommodation for more than eight by persons under 21 years.