Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
938. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the discussions between the Road Safety Authority and the individual provinces in Canada with a view to reaching agreement on plans to harmonise the driving licence regime between the two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18976/14]
View answerThe negotiations with the Canadian provinces on mutual recognition of driving licences are being handled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in its capacity as Ireland's national driver licensing authority. I understand from the RSA that negotiations have come very close to agreement in a number of cases, particularly with Ontario. I had hoped that this agreement would be finalised by now, but the RSA informs me that there were some last-minute difficulties around one aspect of it. I have asked my officials to speak with the RSA and explore possible ways forward.
I am aware that this is a matter of significance for many Irish residents in Canada. At the same time, it is important to remember that the primary responsibility of the driver licensing authorities, both here and in Canada, is to be satisfied with the qualifications of the people they allow to drive on their roads. Agreements of the kind being negotiated must therefore be satisfactory to both sides and involve consideration of a great deal of detail from both sides.
