383. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to address the difficulties faced by Irish citizens living in the UK who are no longer able to be insured as named drivers on Irish-registered policies when they hold a UK driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55415/26]

As Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that there is nothing in Irish road traffic legislation that prevents the holder of a foreign driver licence from obtaining motor insurance in this country, subject to compliance with existing residency and licencing rules.

In practice, however, the provision of insurance cover is an entirely commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis.

When it comes to the insurance industry's approach to insuring drivers with a UK licence, Insurance Ireland, the industry body for insurers in Ireland, has previously confirmed that motor insurance policies will generally cover anyone who holds (and is not disqualified from holding) a licence to drive the vehicle in question, regardless of whether it is an Irish or British licence. Insurers will generally take their cue from existing road traffic legislation in respect of normal residency rules.