Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
239. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether it is permissible for holders of Northern Ireland licences who work for the Irish Coast Guard to remain on the driver's laminate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order for a member of the Irish Coast Guard to be authorised to drive a Coast Guard vehicle they must be in possession of a valid driving licence, have completed a Driver Declaration Form and be named on the Coast Guard Unit drivers laminate, in addition to having successfully completed the corresponding training syllabus.
Under EU and Irish driving licence legislation, driving licences issued by Member States are mutually recognised. An EU driving licence is exchangeable for an Irish driving licence. During the transition period of the Withdrawal Agreement, a UK licence (including NI) is still valid to drive in the EU.
After the transition period ends on 31st December 2020, UK (including NI) driving licences will no longer be valid to drive in Ireland. Irish residents who hold a UK or NI licence are encouraged to exchange such licences for an Irish one in advance of this deadline. Holders of a UK or NI licence who are resident in Northern Ireland are not required to exchange their licence, and can drive here as a visitor under the Geneva Convention.
Legislation exists to allow for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in the Road Traffic Acts. After the transition period, and as the UK will be a third country, the potential then exists for arrangements to be made under those Acts. Ireland will be pursuing this option. It is expected that the licence exchange arrangements with the UK (including NI) will be in place, if required, as soon as practicable following the transition period.
