Patrick Costello
Ceist:103. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport his plans for asylum seekers to obtain a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6333/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 10 February 2021
Ceisteanna (103)
Freagraí scríofa
Currently, Ireland does not issue driving licences to applicants for international protection (asylum seekers) as their residence status in the State is not yet determined.
Having said that, as set out in the Programme for Government, the current policy not to allow applicants for international protection access to a driving licence will be changed. To provide for this, there are a number of complex legal, administrative and technical issues to consider and resolve. Officials in my Department and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are working on these measures at present, but it is not possible to give a definitive date yet for when these changes will be in place. However, I can assure the Deputy that my officials are working hard, in close cooperation with all the stakeholders, to make this happen.