Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 9

Written Answers. - Council of Europe Convention.

John Bruton

Question:

229 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the reason Ireland has not yet signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Deprivation of Right to Drive Motor Vehicles; when the Convention was opened for signature; if he proposes to introduce legislation to ratify this Convention; the advantage of this Convention for Ireland and Europe; the countries which have ratified it; and if he will make a statement on any reservations Ireland has about the Convention from a cost or other point of view.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

This Convention was opened for signature on 3 June 1976. Only four countries, namely, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have ratified the Convention.

Ratification would make little or no difference to the practical situation obtaining in this country since under the terms of the First EC Directive on the Driving Licence only current and valid licences issued by the other Member States will (a) permit drivers from such countries to drive here or (b) can be exchanged for an Irish licence.

The draft of a Second Directive on the Driving Licence currently being examined and discussed by the member states, specifically addresses the matter of mutual recognition of penalties imposed by member states affecting the validity of driving licences.