asked the Minister for Local Government if he will exempt from driving tests under the Road Traffic Act, 1961 applicants who held driving licences in Great Britain and Northern Ireland within a period of five years from the date of application and who are now resident in the Republic of Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Driving Tests.
46.
The grant of such exemption could be considered only in the light of international agreement on the subject. It is unlikely that such agreement will be reached in the near future.
The Minister will appreciate that such applicants have passed the test in Britain or in Northern Ireland and that when they have transferred their residence here, it is a great hardship on them to have to get a temporary licence before they undergo the test for a permanent licence. Will the Minister have another look at the matter?
I am fully alive to the problem, but the House will appreciate that these regulations are made under international agreements, and I cannot say how soon it will be worked out that a licence issued in one country will hold in another. However, if and when it is worked out, we will be quite glad to put any scheme into effect here but I do not hold out any immediate hope that we will make a change unilaterally without reciprocal arrangements with any other country.
(Cavan): I am aware that this does not arise on this particular question but has the Minister made any progress as regards the amendment of the driving regulations? The Minister knows what I am talking about.
I know vaguely now and my recollection is that I have cleared certain of these things.
I appreciate that this matter is regulated by international agreement but it might be possible for the Minister to reach some reciprocal agreement with his counterpart in the Six Counties which would affect people residing close to the Border on both sides.
We might have to go further afield than that.