Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
174. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the reason it is not possible to exchange a driving licence issued by the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia and be issued with an Irish driving licence; if there are any plans to allow such exchanges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2580/24]
View answerIreland has entered into driving licence exchange agreements with seven Canadian provinces to date. These agreements recognise the relevant Canadian licences for exchange with Irish licences. The most recent agreement reached is with New Brunswick.
Nova Scotia is the next Canadian province in line to be examined for a possible licence exchange agreement. Such agreements take time, as the relevant authorities on each side must study and compare the licensing regimes and be satisfied that they are compatible. The Road Safety Authority (RSA), as the licensing authority for Ireland, performs this process.
I have requested the RSA to prioritise the examination of agreements with countries that may be a source of qualified truck and bus drivers to help with the current shortage in those areas. However, it is also my intention to see an agreement in place with Nova Scotia but it is not possible to give a timeframe for when such an agreement may be completed.
