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Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013

Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Questions (1647, 1650)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1647. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding negotiations with provincial Canadian authorities to make it easier for Irish citizens living abroad to have their driving licences recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37588/13]

View answer

Brendan Ryan

Question:

1650. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on any arrangements between Ireland and Quebec, Canada regarding driving licences; if he will detail the current arrangement between the two; if he will detail any proposed changes in arrangement between the two; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37701/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1647 and 1650 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), which is the body responsible for negotiating mutual exchange relationships on driving licences with other jurisdictions, is engaging with the provincial authorities in Canada on this matter.  Canada, as the Deputy may be aware, issues driver licences at provincial rather than national level and each province sets its own driver licensing standards.   Following engagement with the Irish Embassy in Ottowa, a number of provinces in Canada were identified where progress might be made.  It was decided to prioritise Ontario given the large community of Irish people living there.

I understand from the RSA that they have provided the authorities in Ontario with comprehensive details of the driver licensing system in Ireland and that they have received details of the Ontario system from the authorities there.  I gather that there is regular contact through the Irish embassy and that each side is studying and comparing the two licensing systems and seeking clarifications as necessary.  Indications are that there are unlikely to be difficulties in reaching an agreement with Ontario so far as the Irish side is concerned, although of course any agreement must be mutually acceptable.  The RSA is pursuing these matters with a view to reaching an agreement as soon as practicable.  

In addition, the RSA has also engaged, with the help of the Irish Embassy, in a similar process with a number of other licensing authorities in Canada.  Although there has not yet been engagement with the authorities in Quebec, I am keen to explore exchange relationships with all provinces in Canada. 

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