Driving Licence Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2013

Thursday, 24 October 2013

Ceisteanna (277)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

277. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who were born in the North of Ireland are now on driving licences being designated as Northern Irish; if he will explain this practice; if he will work to ensure the licensing process respects the divergence of opinion among Irish persons on nationality North and South (details supplied). [45466/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

EU Directive 126/2006 requires Member States to introduce a Plastic Card Licence with effect from January 2013. Under the provisions of the Directive, the information to be contained on the face of the new form of licence is uniform across Member States. The new licence contains a field that provides 'Date and Place of Birth' of the licence holder.  There is no requirement on the licence for an entry describing a driver's nationality.