Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Licence Regulation.

Liz O'Donnell

Question:

11 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants for category A provisional licence, who are under 25 years of age and have not held a full driving licence in respect of category A1 for at least two years, are being granted licences for the use of motor cycles over 125cc by the Northern Ireland authorities when application is made from an address in that State; and if he will relax the regulations regarding the issue of A1 licences to achieve harmonisations with the United Kingdom regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3380/96]

Mr. Howlin

The regulations governing the licensing of drivers provide that access to a provisional licence for category A (motorcycles) is restricted to those who have either held a licence under sub-category A1 (motorcycles under 125cc) for at least two years in the previous ten years, or those over 25 years of age.

The EU Second Directive on the driving licence provides that it is a matter for each member state to decide whether or not to introduce sub-categories such as that applying here to motorcycles under 125cc.

I am at present reviewing the Driver Licensing Regulations in the context of applying those provisions of the Second Directive which are not yet in force. However, it is my intention to retain sub-category A1, as I am concerned that providing access to large powerful motorcycles for young people who lack previous experience of driving a motorcycle would not be in the interests of the individuals themselves or of road users generally.

I appreciate that the criteria for access to category A licences are now more restrictive in this country than in the United Kingdom, but I am satisfied that the system in force here is fully justified in the road safety context. It is possible, however, that the entry into force of the Second Directive will encourage the harmonisation of such criteria. I envisage such harmonisation will not require a change on our part.

Miss Quill

I thank the Minister for his answer and do not dispute his stance on this issue. As has often been said here, the promotion of road safety should be of paramount importance. In the overall interest of promoting safety does the Minister consider that the current position is unsatisfactory? Citizens of this country who give an address in this State, can get a licence in Northern Ireland which would not be issued here? That negatives our law and the good practice the Minister seeks to promote and maintain. What can be done about that?

Mr. Howlin

It is not possible for anyone who gives a Republic of Ireland address to get a Northern Ireland licence, but those who give a Northern Ireland address can get one. We have a higher standard, a young person under 25 years of age cannot get a licence for a vehicle or a motorcycle with a greater capacity than 125cc unless he held a licence for one below 125cc for at least two years. I have no intention of changing that law and I would not be surprised if our stance on that is reciprocated in the provisions that will be introduced in the United Kingdom when there is harmonisation of the law under the European Union directive.

Miss Quill

I request the Chair to defer the remaining questions in my name and in the names of my party colleagues until the next day questions are taken by the Minister for the Environment.