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Driving Licence Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Questions (617)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

617. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on mutual recognition of Irish driving licences with the province of Ontario, Canada, where numerous Irish persons currently reside; if he will provide an update on activities by the Road Safety Authority and the Irish embassy in Ottawa on having their Irish driving licences recognised and setting up a reciprocal recognition scheme between the jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42278/13]

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Written answers

An exchange relationship on driving licences with other jurisdictions involves a mutual examination of the driver licensing regimes to make sure that they are compatible.  On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).  Following engagement with the Irish Embassy in Ottawa, a number of provinces in Canada were identified where progress might be made, and it was decided to prioritise Ontario as it is now home to a large community of Irish people.  

I understand from the RSA that it has provided the authorities in Ontario with comprehensive details of the driver licensing system in Ireland and that it has received details of the Ontario system from the authorities there.  I also understand that there is regular contact through the Irish Embassy and that clarifications are being sought by both sides. 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 accepted.  The RSA is continuing to pursue these matters with a view to reaching an agreement as soon as practicable.

In addition, the RSA asked the Irish Embassy to forward the material on the Irish licensing system which they prepared for the authorities in Ontario to all the other licensing authorities in Canada.   The RSA has recently been informed that progress has been made with the authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador, who have examined the Irish licensing system and are satisfied that progress can be made.  The RSA has now received material from the authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador on their licensing systems, which are now being studied.

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