Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
268. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the absence of reciprocal driving licensing agreements between Ireland, America and Canada (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70878/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to reduce barriers for emigrants wishing to return to Ireland is a central priority for the Interdepartmental Committee on the Irish Abroad, which I chair. The Committee consists of representatives of key government departments and Irish NGOs working with the diaspora and provides a valuable forum for addressing a number of the administrative hurdles facing returning emigrants.
In relation to Irish driving licenses, Ireland now has 21 reciprocal driving license agreements including with Australia and seven Canadian provinces, with the technical assessment for an agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia.
In the case of the US, exchange agreements have to be agreed at the State level. We have already engaged with some US states and I am working closely with Minister O'Brien on the matter. Our focus initially will be on those states with a significant Irish population. New York is the first state for consideration, as it has the highest Irish-born population, and the Road Safety Authority is engaging with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles in a review process.
