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Driving Licence Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Questions (629)

Micheál Martin

Question:

629. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that persons acquiring driving licences will have the option of supplying their own photo for the licence as is the case for passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15339/13]

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Written answers

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 ‘specialist unit' based in the RSA headquarters.   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 is digital and is not stuck on to 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.

At present, and until September next, local authorities will continue to process driver licence applications on behalf of the RSA and will accept non-digital photographs.

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.

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