Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
514. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the proposed bilateral agreement between Ireland and Canada in relation to recognition of driving licences in both countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10576/14]
View answerNegotiations on agreements for mutual exchange of driving licences are handled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which is the national driver licensing authority. Negotiations have been under way for some time with the authorities in Canada. As driver licensing in Canada operates at provincial rather than national level, this process involves comparison of multiple licensing regimes with the Irish driver licensing regime, in order to ensure compatibility. It will mean reaching separate agreements with individual provinces, rather than a single bilateral agreement with Canada. Inevitably, this is a longer process than a simple bilateral agreement.
I understand from the RSA that substantial progress has been made with the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba, and Newfoundland & Labrador and I expect to see the first agreement signed within the next few weeks. I will give legal effect to the agreements soon after they are signed through Statutory Instruments.
