Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
562. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Road Safety Authority review process will be complete in order to ascertain if there is a role for scanned photographs with the SAFE2 process. [14135/13]
View answer563. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the serious threat facing the professional printed photo ID market with the introduction of the new driving licences; the reason the Road Safety Authority did not allow private operators the opportunity to tender for this process; the steps he will take to preserve jobs in this industry; if he will consider delivering a policy of coexistence between SGS and the professional printed photo ID industry in order that they can both survive and grow their respective businesses. [14137/13]
View answer564. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding photographic identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14194/13]
View answer569. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a submission regarding photograph ID on driving licences; his plans to address the position as outlined to protect the employment within the companies involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13645/13]
View answer575. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a review of the proposed process to transfer responsibility of processing of all driving licence applications to SGS will take place to investigate the role for scanned photographs within the SAFE2 process; if the photography industry can co-exist with SGS as part of the new driving licence procedure in order to protect the welfare of the photo ID industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13903/13]
View answer578. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will give further consideration to the request of Retail Excellence Ireland in relation to the restrictive award of Photographic ID Services for driving licences; if he will review this decision as requested by Retail Excellence Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14354/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 to 564, inclusive, 569, 575 and 578 together.
The Government decided in 2011 to centralise driver licence provision, following an examination of the options for driver licensing which found that a centralised system would offer enhanced security and consistency, and be more efficient and cost-effective. The Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012 provides for the RSA to become the central driver licensing authority in Ireland. This came into effect on 12 January 2013.
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 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 onto the card in the way it was on the old 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.
The operation of the tender processes for the outsourced elements was a matter for the RSA, I had no power to intervene in it, and the contractors have already been procured.
