There is a very sound rationale for centralising driver licensing, on grounds of efficiency and effectiveness of service as well as improved security. Legislation passed last year provided for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to be the national driver licensing authority. I have received some correspondence on the issues referred to by the Deputy. Contrary to the premise of the question, there was no decision taken by my Department regarding the capture of photographs for licence purposes under the new system. The RSA is in charge of the new system, and was responsible both for designing the new system and for running the tender process for outsourced elements of that system.
The new system involves three outsourced elements, a card production facility, a front office for engaging with the customer, and a back office to process applications. All three are to be overseen by a ‘centre of excellence’ based in the RSA itself. The card licence is standardised across the European Union and therefore there must be consistency in the quality and standard of information used. The photograph will be digital and will not be stuck on to the card in the way it is to the current paper licence. The capture of the photograph is included in the fee for the licence. As the system develops, the SAFE2 ID standard will be implemented, at which point the only option will be the digital photo taken at the Front Office Network. In addition the new system will be convenient for customers as they will only have to pay one fee and make one trip to get their licence and photograph.