Written answer
Driver Licences
28. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to establish a one-stop shop to assist returning Irish citizens in addressing practical issues such as driver's licence changes, Revenue matters and record transfers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38294/26]
Comment on this
The Programme for Government commits to reducing the barriers for returning Irish Emigrants and this commitment is underpinned by the Government’s Diaspora Strategy 2026-2030, which I launched at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Croke Park on the 30 April 2026.
As part of the development of this strategy, I led the largest ever consultation with the Irish abroad, including over 27 in-person meetings both in Ireland and overseas, and the first ever online consultation, the Global Irish Survey, which ran throughout the summer of 2025.
The result of this extensive consultation process is a strategy that sets out 23 commitments built around the challenges and opportunities shared with us, including specific recognition of the particular challenges facing those who are looking to return.
The Returning to Ireland (RTI) portal on citizensinformation.ie provides a wealth of information on administrative issues such as welfare supports, taxation, education and visas. The portal is funded through the Emigrant Support Programme and we will work with the Citizens Information Board to enhance the site and ensure it continues to provide to provide accessible and relevant information for those returning to Ireland, including those considering retiring here.
I will continue engage on behalf of our diaspora with other Government departments with responsibility for issues such as PPS numbers, habitual residence, matters relating to non-EEA spouses, driving license exchange agreements and the recognition of qualifications.
Over the lifetime of this strategy, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also strengthen its engagement with those who advocate on behalf of those returning to Ireland and work with them to oversee the commitments set out in our new strategy.
Progress continues to be made in respect of concluding driving license exchange agreements with US states with a focus initially on New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts.