Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the rationale for plans to empower him to revoke a driving licence (details supplied) from a person seeking international protection under the Road Traffic Bill 2021; and the engagements he has had with the Courts Service and the Road Safety Authority in this regard. [36311/21]
View answerAs set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will act on interim recommendations from the Chair of the Expert Group on the Provision of Support, Including Accommodation, to Persons in the International Protection Process (Asylum Seekers) to improve conditions for asylum seekers in Ireland. This includes the ability to apply for driving licences.
A person must be resident in Ireland to apply for an Irish learner permit or driving licence. An international protection applicant is granted temporary residency while their application to remain is considered. In consulting the European Commission, my department was advised that a mechanism for revocation is required, should a licence holder cease to be resident in the State.
Officials in my Department are examining the operational and legislative amendments required to allow a person with temporary residency to have access to the driving licensing system and are working with colleagues in the Road Safety Authority, the Department of Justice and the Attorney General's Office on this matter.
