As Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to clarify that there is nothing in Irish road traffic legislation that prevents the holder of a foreign driver licence from obtaining motor insurance in this country, subject to compliance with existing residency and licencing rules.
In practice, however, the provision of insurance cover is an entirely commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis.
When it comes to the insurance industry's approach to insuring drivers with a UK licence, Insurance Ireland, the industry body for insurers in Ireland, has previously confirmed that motor insurance policies will generally cover anyone who holds (and is not disqualified from holding) a licence to drive the vehicle in question, regardless of whether it is an Irish or British licence. Insurers will generally take their cue from existing road traffic legislation in respect of normal residency rules.
The Deputy may wish to advise his constituent to avail of Insurance Ireland's free information service for those who have complaints or difficulties in purchasing insurance. Insurance Ireland can be contacted by phone at (01) 6761820 or by email at declined@insuranceireland.eu.
