Driver Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2015

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Ceisteanna (691)

Dessie Ellis

Ceist:

691. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that Irish citizens (details supplied) born in the North of Ireland who renew their drivers licence are now designated as from Northern Ireland; if his Department is aware of the potential difficulties this discrepancy in official documents may cause when travelling internationally; the action his Department is taking to resolve such problems; and if he will allow such persons to be designated as from Ireland in the future. [36240/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Deputy Ellis may recall that he raised the same issue, on behalf of a different individual, with my predecessor (Question No. 277 of 24 October 2013).

The position set out in that reply remains unchanged, in that the plastic card format of driving licence was introduced into Ireland in January 2013 in accordance with EU law. EU legislation provides for the date and place of birth to be listed on the card. The reference to place of birth is just that, and is not a reference to nationality or citizenship.