Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Driving Licences.

David Stanton

Question:

164 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 21 June 2000 he is having examinations made into the possibility of adding any other states to the list of states recognised for the purpose of driving licence exchange under the terms of section 30(7) of the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1999; if he will give details in this regard; the reason New Zealand is not included; the plans he has to include New Zealand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18892/00]

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

It has not been practicable to recognise New Zealand driving licences for exchange because of lack of differentiation in the New Zealand licensing regime between drivers who pass driving tests in automatic transmission vehicles and those who pass tests in manual transmission vehicles.

There are no proposals at present to add to the list of states recognised by Ireland for the purpose of driving licence exchange.