Written answer
Driver Licences
Ireland is reviewing driver’s licence exchange arrangements with US states, while stressing that agreements depend on comparable licensing standards and RSA recommendations.
16. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently review the decision to refuse driver's licence exchange for returning Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67498/26]
Comment on this
24. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the reason he can not extend the drivers licence agreement to the United states of America, taking into account the Irish diaspora who hold Irish driving licences, yet the current agreement covers E.U. citizens, and non E.U. jurisdictions, such as Korea, Japan and South Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67670/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 24 together.
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, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence are all set at EU level. Therefore, all EU-issued licences are recognised in Member States.
Member States may also make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions. In reaching a bilateral agreement, the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are comparable with Ireland's. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible. For Ireland, the task of comparing the two licensing regimes falls to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia. Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey, in order to undertake technical reviews with a view to recommending whether to enter into exchange agreements.
Once each review process is complete, the RSA will make a recommendation to my Department.