176. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe to implement the European Union directive regarding the increase in weight that campervans can be driven, with a standard Irish car driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53664/26]

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Directive (EU) 2025/2205 changes the provisions for driving certain types of motor vehicle over 3500 kg.

The Directive states that, two years after a category B (car or light commercial) driving licence is issued for the first time, it shall also be valid for driving motor vehicles, including power-driven emergency vehicles used for the purpose of maintaining public safety and order, including by providing immediate assistance during natural or man-made emergencies, such as police vehicles, ambulances, civil protection and rescue vehicles, or fire brigade vehicles, powered wholly or in part by alternative fuels as defined in Article 2 of Directive 96/53/EC, and which have been approved under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 3 500 kg but not exceeding 4 250 kg. The deadline for transposition of this provision into Irish law is November 2027.

However, article 9(2)(j) of the Directive expressly provides that motor caravans (motor homes/campervans) are not covered by this equivalence. Accordingly, the amendments introduced by Directive (EU) 2025/2205 do not alter the existing licensing requirements applicable to motor caravans.