454. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport in light of the increased numbers of citizens returning to Ireland from abroad whether he has considered new measures to streamline the foreign driver license exchange service offered by the RSA to allow valid foreign license holders from recognised states to drive on these licenses for a limited period while their applications for an Irish license are processed, and if he will make a statement on the matter [61865/26]

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law – the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply – and the standards for testing drivers are set at EU level. Driver licensing laws are intended to ensure drivers on our roads meet high safety standards.

A person resident in Ireland must have an Irish or EU/EEA driving licence to drive here. It is possible to drive in Ireland on a non-EU/EEA licence under the Geneva Convention, but this only applies to visitors, not residents.

Once a holder of a non-EU/EEA driving licence becomes resident in Ireland, they can no longer use that licence and must obtain an Irish licence to drive here, either by exchange or by obtaining a licence through the normal process.

There are various factors which affect the time it takes to process licence exchange applications. For example, the applicant may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical driving licence itself in the case of an online application.

The most common reason for delays is the awaiting of verification of the driving licence from the other licensing authority. At times a response is received very quickly but there can be delays. However, it is vital, in the interests of the safety of Irish road users, that the validity of a driving licence presented for exchange is verified.