Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Jun 1990

Vol. 399 No. 12

Written Answers. - Recognition of Driving Licences.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

73 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether there is an anomaly between the Irish and Australian authorities in respect of the issue of a full driving licence, particularly with regard to returned emigrants to this country and also having regard to the fact that motorists drive on the same side of the road in both jurisdictions; if he will consider initiating discussions between his Department and the Australian authorities to ensure that a full licensed holder under Australian law is recognised as a full licensed holder under Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989, which I made on 13 November last, enable me to designate any state other than a member state of the European Community to be a recognised state for the purposes of recognising the driving licences issued by the state concerned.

Licences issued by recognised states and other member states of the EC may be exchanged for an Irish driving licence without the need to undergo and pass a driving test in this country.

I have already declared Japan to be a recognised state for this purpose. I am at present examining the position with a view to declaring certain other states to be recognised states.