Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
299. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the IT systems that will need to be changed to introduce the new provisions to restrict the use of multiple learner permits from 1 November 2026, as reported by the RSA to the Oireachtas Committee on Transport on 8 October 2025; and the proposed date for each of the 11 necessary changes to IT systems to be completed before the new system goes live on 1 November 2026. [3255/26]
View answer300. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of second permit holders; if the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has written out to all second learner permit holders to inform them of the new rules (S.I. No. 527/2025) that will apply to them from 1 November 2026; if the RSA has informed them that application for a third learner permit will require them to have undertaken a driving test in the previous two years. [3256/26]
View answer301. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the current number of learner permit holders on their third or subsequent learner permit; if the RSA has written to these permit holders to inform them of the new rules (S.I. No. 527/2025) coming into effect on 1 November 2026; and if so, the details of what the RSA has communicated in these letters. [3257/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 299, 300 and 301 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service and for the administration and issuing of learner permits.
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. Pending that reply, I would note that the RSA has assured me that all necessary systems changes will be in place to allow for the new regime to be introduced as planned on 1 November 2026 and the Authority has committed to a communications and assistance campaign to engage with affected road users in the period since the regulations were announced through to November 2026, and beyond as necessary.
