Driver Licences

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Questions (634, 635)

Shay Brennan

Question:

634. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Transport the specific auditing measures that are in place to verify the integrity of South African licence exchanges beyond digital database checks. [1007/26]

View answer

Shay Brennan

Question:

635. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering a suspension of the South African licence exchange agreement until the integrity of the "pass" records can be guaranteed, similar to the requirements for US or Indian licence holders. [1008/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 635 together.

As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that Ireland has a Licence Exchange Agreement with South Africa and thus, holders of South African licences may exchange their licence for an Irish licence.

The Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), which includes licence exchange matters. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

The Deputy may wish to note that Ireland does not currently have a Licence Exchange Agreement with India or with any US state.

Question No. 635 answered with Question No. 634.