Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 2

Written Answers - Driving Licences.

Willie Penrose

Question:

269 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the bilateral arrangement, if any, between Ireland and Germany to permit a full driver's licence obtained in Ireland to be used in Germany without any stipulations or conditions; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that if a person is domiciled in Germany for more than 183 days a licence is not recognised to cover driving by an Irish person in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24386/98]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

Directive 91/439/EEC provides for the mutual recognition or exchange of driving licences by EU member states. Where necessary, individual member states are however permitted by the directive to issue a national licence in place of that issued by another member state for the purpose of applying its national provisions on the restoration, suspension, withdrawal or cancellation of the right to drive.

My Department has not received any written complaint in relation to the practice described in the question. If, however, the Deputy wishes to provide specific details, my Department will look into the matter further.