Driver Licences

Thursday, 4 December 2025

Questions (215, 216, 218)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

215. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the staffing levels assigned to the processing of foreign driving licence exchange applications in each of the past three years, broken down by grade; whether any additional staffing or resources have been approved in 2024 or 2025 to address current backlogs; the ICT or administrative changes planned for the National Driver Licence Service in 2026 to improve the processing of foreign driving licence exchanges; the expected impact of these changes on processing times; and the timeline for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68722/25]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

216. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the current performance targets for the processing of foreign driving licence exchange applications; the percentage of applications that met these targets in each quarter of the past two years; the number of complaints received in the past twelve months in relation to delays or lack of communication regarding foreign driving licence exchanges; the main issues raised in these complaints; and the remedial actions underway to improve performance and communication with applicants, in particular where delay affects a person’s ability to take up or continue in employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68723/25]

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Ken O'Flynn

Question:

218. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the procedures his Department has in place to ensure that urgent foreign driving licence exchange applications are prioritised where delay prevents a person from taking up or continuing in employment; the criteria used to classify an application as urgent; the number of urgent cases identified in 2024 and 2025; the average processing time for such cases; the oversight exercised by his Department to ensure the Road Safety Authority meets these requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68725/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 216 and 218 together.

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that I have delegated matters relating to the exchange of drivers licences to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

As part of the standard governance processes for State agencies under my Department, officials from the Department meet with senior management from the Authority on a quarterly basis to discuss a range of issues. This includes operational performance and potential areas of concern.

The final quarterly governance meeting for the RSA will take place in the coming weeks and I will request that my officials seek an analysis from the RSA regarding licence exchange processing times.

Question No. 216 answered with Question No. 215.